As we approach October, we mark a somber anniversary—one year since one of the most devastating humanitarian crises in recent history began. The people of Gaza have endured unimaginable suffering, and the ongoing devastation is a stark reminder of the relentless challenges they face. This tragedy is not a past event, but a living reality that demands our continued attention and action.
Why this matters
The numbers tell a harrowing story:
- Unimaginable Loss: Over 40,000 people in Gaza have been killed and 96,000 injured—a staggering 10% of the population. (Source: Aljazeera)
- Widespread Destruction: Three-quarters of Gaza City has been reduced to rubble, with over 57% of its buildings either damaged or destroyed. (Source: France24, BBC)
- Healthcare Collapse: 60% of Gaza's healthcare infrastructure is in ruins, leaving the sick and wounded with little hope for recovery. (Source: UN News)
The destruction is overwhelming, but the spirit of generosity and unity in the global community has been equally powerful. Last year, the people of Gaza inspired one of the largest fundraising efforts in LaunchGood's history, involving a great numbers of fundraisers and donors around the world. Today, we mark one year since the start of the escalation and crisis. We are committed to making October a time of remembrance and activism known as “Gaza Remembrance Month”.
Our role and commitment
At LaunchGood, we believe that this is more than a moment of reflection; it is a divine calling to serve those in need. Our community has raised over $80 million for Gaza, and we are committed to transparency, ensuring every dollar reaches the people who need it most. This is not just about immediate relief; it’s about standing with Gaza through the long process of rebuilding, rekindling hope where despair has taken root.
LaunchGood's $200K matching fund for fundraisers
In recognition of the urgent need for continued support, LaunchGood is offering a $200K matching fund to amplify the efforts of fundraisers for Gaza. We are calling on our generous community to contribute and help maximize the impact of every donation.
How to support Gaza relief
LaunchGood encourages donors and fundraisers to support vetted charities and humanitarian organizations working on the ground in Gaza. We focus on humanitarian aid, ensuring that your contributions provide critical supplies such as food, medical assistance, and shelter to civilians.
There are several ways you can get involved:
- Donate: Visit Launchgood.com/GazaOneyearon to contribute to vetted campaigns that resonate with you. Every dollar counts and makes a significant impact.
- Start a Campaign: Have a specific initiative in mind? As a fundraiser, you can start your own fundraising campaign on LaunchGood and benefit from our Flash Support Fund or contact: support@launchgood.com
- Spread the Word: Share these campaigns within your network, on social media, and in your communities to increase awareness and participation.
Our guidelines for fundraisers are simple but crucial:
- Humanitarian Focus: All fundraising efforts must be for humanitarian purposes, with clear objectives and a transparent process.
- Local Partnerships: Many organizations may not have a direct presence in Gaza but rely on trusted local partners to deliver aid.
- Urgent Needs: Basic necessities like water, gas, and medical supplies are urgently needed, with inflated prices due to limited availability.
- Humanitarian Pathways: Ongoing discussions about potential aid routes from Egypt provide hope for more effective distribution.
A call to action
This October, let’s come together as a global community to support the people of Gaza. Whatever your role is, either as a fundraiser or a donor (or both), get involved now! Together, we can turn this month into a powerful movement of remembrance and action, providing hope, relief, and rebuilding for those who need it most.
Hammam is the Flash Lead at LaunchGood
