Coming together…Giving Back

Posted by Saluki in Stray Thoughts with Saluki | 2 comments

 I haven’t been a part of many fandoms.  Sure, I’ve followed certain actors and signed up on fan forums  in the past, but until I discovered Twilight, I never considered myself part of a community.  Many people that I run into scoff at my association with the Twilight fandom.  They think it is a bunch of girls obsessed with Edward Cullen. Okay, sure, there is some of that in the fandom, and there is nothing wrong with that.  However, this fandom is so much more.  We are a community of readers, writers, friends, activists, and leaders.  We are different ages, different races, and have diverse beliefs.  But I have found that amongst all of the diversity, we share one common thread: the desire to give back.

Today, I want to highlight just a few examples of the extraordinary work Twifans have done in both organizing and contributing to various causes.

Twifans 4 Haiti

MsKathy, who many of us know as an extremely talented writer, issued a challenge to the fandom.  Donate $5 to the Haiti relief effort and get an exclusive compilation of stories.  I haven’t spoken to MsKathy personally, but I think it’s safe to say she was blown away by the response.  As of the latest information I could find, over 270 authors contributed to the compilation, and more than $75,000 was raised for the people of Haiti.  I think MsKathy, and everyone who helped her in this effort, deserve a huge pat on the back. 

The Fandom Gives Back

Ninapolitan, LolaShoes, and tby789 formed The Famdom Gives Back, because in their words, “Essentially we wanted to use our popularity and resources within the fandom to bring awareness to the foundation but more importantly donations for Alex’s Lemonade because the story of Alex Scott touched us in a way that we’ll never forget.”  Through the efforts of this six day fundraiser,  Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer received a donation of $87,640.  No, you are not misreading the total.  Over $80,000 was raised by Twifans to fight childhood cancer. 

 Once again, Twilight fans were challenged to give and came forward with their donations, big and small.  I am so proud to be a part of a fandom that cares so much about the lives of others that they are willing to give, even in this tough economy, to make a difference.   And, for those of you who were unable to contribute in 2009, but are interested in giving this year, The Fandom Gives Back Eclipse Edition 2010 is already being planned.  Be sure to follow the official Fandom Gives Back twitter to get the latest announcements on events and future fundraising efforts.  Let’s top last year’s total!

Many Twilight related fan sites worked tirelessly to encourage their members to donate to both of these efforts.  I wish I could name all of them, but inevitably, I would leave someone out.  However, each of these groups deserve a pat on the back as well.  They helped spread the word about the fundraisers and helped raise money for these worthy causes.  You are an important part of the fandom, keep up the good work!

Twilighters for Clean Water

This is a group I had not heard of until I started doing research for my blog.  This group of fans are trying to raise money so that people all over the world can have clean water, which is something that I would bet most of us take for granted.  Visit their page to find out more about the cause and how to contribute.  Twilighters for Clean Water

I’m sure there are many other Twilight groups that are raising money all over the world for various charities.  These are just a few examples of what the fandom can do when it pulls together for a common cause.  It is amazing what we can do to make this world a better place when we work together toward a common goal.  I hope we keep challenging ourselves as a community to give back in ways big and small.  I can’t say enough how it warms my heart to see the generosity of Twifans.  Thank you all for making this the best fan community in the world!