Within five days of sharing an article on social media, Sanam Maher, a journalist, was able to raise her initial estimate of Rs300,000. It was enough to purchase essentials for the players, but the flow of donations surpassed Rs500,000. Never mind, this extra amount could be used for the boxing tournaments.
Maher went to Lyari, a neighbourhood in Karachi known for gang violence and sports stars, particularly footballers and boxers, with the intention of bringing up an exclusive story about Pakistan’s first all-girls boxing training programme. There she saw a bunch of girls learning how to box in a small, cramped place, clad in everyday clothes, slippers and sandals. There were no boxing gloves or shoes nor floor mats or, above all, a boxing ring, to experience what life is within those ropes. However, one thing was clear; it was their passion.
Overwhelmed by their determination to pursue their goals with minimum facilities, Maher wanted to do something for them. “It was not only about my profile, but doing something tangible to make a difference in their lives,” Maher said. “It is so amazing how people not only in Pakistan but all over the world have responded to my call,” she added.
The concept of crowd funding which enables one to raise money online has made it easier to make pledges to the cause. Money collection is not a problem now, giving through the social network has become as simple as following a couple of links. “With less hassle involved it was thoughtful to begin my first fundraising campaign,” Maher said.
Online fund raising campaigns are popular because donors know exactly where their money goes
“It is a great opportunity to spread the word on the social network and let everyone get involved at the push of the button,” Mohammad Jibran Nasir, a human rights activist and founder of Elaj (a social welfare trust), emphasised. “It is just about tapping in the right audience.”