It’s been 10 days since Mexican YouTube creator Juanpa Zurita launched the #LoveArmyMexico fundraising campaign to help rebuild areas ravaged by two earthquakes last month.
All told, Zurita has raised a cool $1.3 million to date — easily surpassing his $1 million goal. And this was no doubt accelerated by a whopping $500,000 contribution from YouTube parent company Google via its philanthropic arm, Google.org, as well as the company’s employees. Funds will go toward building roughly 100 houses in Mexican states most affected by the earthquakes. In order to accomplish this, #LoveArmyMexico has partnered with Echale A Tu Casa, an organization that builds sustainable housing, as well as the Revolution architectural firm.
Though spearheaded by Zurita, who counts almost 6 million YouTube subscribers, the #LoveArmyMexico initiative comprises roughly 25 different celebrities and influencers, including Ben Stiller, German Garmendia, Enrique Iglesias, and Lele Pons.
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The Google donation marks half of a $1 million pledge by the tech giant to assist in post-earthquake recovery efforts. Google volunteers will also provide logistical support and help with coordination as YouTubers document the construction of the homes on their respective channels.
“Popularity means nothing if it is not used to create change,” said creator Jerome Jarre, who originated the #LoveArmy venture earlier this year with the #LoveArmyForSomalia campaign, which ultimately raised $2.7 million for famine victims in East Africa. Jarre has now dedicated his life to the project. “Right now, people who have millions of followers on social media are like points in a system. And once everyone is connected and working as a team, we can achieve the impossible.”
In addition to the #LoveArmyMexico and #LoveArmyForSomalia campaigns, vlogger Casey Neistat launched the #LoveArmyLasVegas campaign this week to raise money for injured victims and the families of those killed in the nation’s deadliest mass shooting. #LoveArmyLasVegas has raised roughly $270,000 to date.
