#LoveArmyForSomalia raises $1m in less than 24 hours

MOGADISHU, SOMALIA – MARCH 8: Somalian people try to continue their lives in tents without water and electricity as they fight against hunger and lack of water due to drought in Kaxda district of Moghadishu, Somalia on March 8, 2017. ( Sadak Mohamed – Anadolu Agency )

by Diana Alghoul

A campaign launched by high profile social media personalities has raised over $1 million in less than 24 hours to fund sending aid over to famine-stricken Somalia.

Look at this! the power of social media is INSANE and thank you to everyone who donated god bless you all #LoveArmyForSomalia pic.twitter.com/ud5ERLyrMv

— . (@Sagalxo) March 18, 2017

INTERNET YOU DID IT !!! 💪

WE HAVE AN AIRPLANE & WE HAVE FOOD !!!

WHAT IF WE COULD CHANGE EVERYTHING?

➡️ #NominatedForSomalia 🚨 pic.twitter.com/lIDq5geWV9

— JÉRÔME JARRE (@jeromejarre) March 19, 2017

After feeling distraught at the effects of the famine in Somalia, Youtube star Jerome Jarre teamed up with YouTubers and celebrities to start the “Love Army for Somalia” campaign, which aimed to convince Turkish Airlines, the only international commercial airline which flies to Somalia, to send aid to the country.

We ❤Somalia. We got the call for this meaningful flight. @jeromejarre @redhourben @ELJuanpazurita #TurkishAirlinesHelpSomalia

— Turkish Airlines (@TurkishAirlines) March 16, 2017

After Turkish Airlines agreed, Jarre and his peers began a campaign to raise a $1 million in 10 days. American YouTube personality Casey Neistat made a video to raise awareness of the drive; the post went viral and was viewed more than two million times.

They reached out to celebrities, calling on them to help donate and publicise the campaign.

🚨 HEY @JUSTINBIEBER

HOW ABOUT TODAY? 😜

➡️ https://t.co/kxHgDzvNxY #LoveArmyForSomalia pic.twitter.com/57RV77ri6l

— JÉRÔME JARRE (@jeromejarre) March 18, 2017

Supporters watched eagerly as the campaign augmented unexpectedly

https://twitter.com/fattyturner/status/843093513583673344

The results were phenomenal. The cause touched the hearts of so many people, that large sacrifices were made to stand in solidarity.

https://twitter.com/omgAS93/status/843195151774355458

The #LoveArmySomalia has filled a cargo plane from @TurkishAirlines with food in 2 days. WE NEED MORE. #Somalia https://t.co/n3YnGkhgzg pic.twitter.com/golnlrgDSw

— Daniel Schneider (@BiologistDan) March 19, 2017

https://twitter.com/HodanTV/status/843675788172050432

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