Cary, NC -- GoFundMe.org has released their 2025 Annual Report, highlighting their relief and recovery efforts towards disasters and crises around the country. Specifically with their Hurricane Relief Fund for 2024, they were able to raise $1.4 million and helped more than 2,700 individuals and households recover from the four major hurricanes that affected our country: Beryl, Debby, Helene, and Milton.
Featured in this report is the partnership with Prezzee and United Way of North Carolina (UWNC) to provide temporary housing and items of need for those affected by Hurricane Helene. Back in autumn of 2024, the three organizations raised $62,000! Provided through $200 Prezzee gift cards, more than 300 individuals and families received the gift cards to pay for vital needs, such as food, water, clothing, baby products, and more. By providing them with funds, they were able to obtain the exact items they needed to best start rebuilding their lives after losing everything in the storm.
UWNC Senior Director of Operations, David Mercado, shared his thoughts on the partnership, emphasizing he is "deeply grateful for the timely partnership with GoFundMe.org and Prezzee. This collaboration provided a much-needed beacon of hope during a period of profound despair. Many were on the verge of losing faith, and this initiative helped restore their belief in humanity and the power of community support".
GoFundMe.org also collected accounts of folks who received the Hurricane Relief Funds, like Leea H. She and her three young children lost their home and all of their belongings. Having to live in temporary shelters, they moved seven times within the first three weeks of being displaced. Upon receiving a grant from GoFundMe.org's fund, they were able to settle into temporary housing, which allowed them to stay situated while she looking for a permanent residence. Leea H. quoted her experience, saying "We lost everything. Having donations helped to take some of the financial burden off of my shoulders so that I could be present for my family. It's been hard. But with donations, our needs have been met."
Leea H.'s account is testament to how a donation during a time of need can change the trajectory of someone's life for the better when they have been so badly affected by a natural disaster.
United Way of North Carolina is honored to have partnered with Prezzee and GoFundMe.org to provide relief to our fellow North Carolinians in need after a devastating moment in their lives. Congratulations to GoFundMe.org and all partners who collaborated in relief and recovery to successfully support not only Hurricane Helene victims, but those affected by any crises and disasters.
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About United Way of North Carolina
United Way of North Carolina mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. Partnering with 47 local United Ways, UWNC addresses pressing challenges such as resilience, health, youth opportunity, and financial security. UWNC operates NC 211, an information and referral service offering free and confidential resources.
About Prezzee
Prezzee is a digital gifting company on a mission to foster human connection through remarkable gifting moments. By offering multi-brand and prepaid gift cards, Prezzee empowers businesses and individuals to deliver immediate support when it matters most. Learn more at www.prezzee.com.
About GoFundMe.org
GoFundMe.org is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 81-2279757) that works to swiftly mobilize donations for individuals and communities impacted by crises, natural disasters, and social inequalities. For more information, visit www.gofundme.org.