A GoFundMe raising money for George Floyd’s funeral and to support his family has topped Kshs 1 billion ( $10 million ) since his death in police custody last Monday.
The Daily Mail reports the ‘Official George Floyd Memorial Fund’ had garnered a staggering $10,113,200 in funds from 390,100 donors as of Tuesday afternoon, as the nation mourns the loss of the black 46-year-old and voices outrage over his killing at the hands of a white cop.
This reportedly makes it one of the most successful GoFundMe campaigns of all time in terms of money raised.
Donations have dwarfed the initial target of $1.5 million and the page has been shared on social media 241,200 times.
The ‘Official George Floyd Memorial Fund’ had garnered a staggering $10,113,200 in funds from 390,100 donors as of Tuesday afternoon, as the nation mourns the loss of the black 46-year-old and voices outrage over his killing at the hands of a white cop
The page was set up six days ago by Floyd’s heartbroken brother Philonise Floyd who penned an emotional letter saying how his life has been ‘shattered’ following his death.
The money will be used to cover funeral and burial expenses, mental and grief counseling, lodging and travel to court proceedings and to support Floyd’s family, including the care and education of the two children the father leaves behind.
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‘On May 25, 2020, my life shattered as I learned of the tragic passing of my dear brother, George,’ Philonise wrote.
My family and I watched in absolute horror as the now infamous and horrifying video began to spread quickly throughout social media. What we saw on that tape left us shell shocked; a white Minneapolis police officer kneeling directly on my brother’s neck, obstructing his ability to breathe.
He added: ‘As some officers knelt on his neck, other officers participated and watched; no one took any action to save my brother’s life. Those officers would continue to brutalize my brother until he died.’
Philonise also thanked everyone who has supported their family.
From the bottom of our hearts my family thanks each of you who have reached out. While we are not able to respond to each expression of love at this time, please know that we love and appreciate each and every one of you. Our hearts are overwhelmed!’ he wrote.
The GoFundMe page also points to another legitimate fund – ‘GEORGE FLOYD (BIGFLOYD)’ – set up by Floyd’s sister Bridgett, which has also drawn in almost $300,000 in donations.
Floyd was killed last Monday when former cop Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes until he passed out and later died.
His death has sparked outrage across America and the world leading to widespread protests and riots demanding an end to police brutality and racism.
