How ‘Naked Philanthropist’ raised Sh100 million for Australian bush fire relief
Not all heroes wear clothes. A social media model has raised Sh100 million ($1 million) after she offered to DM her nudes to people who could confirm that they donated to the recent bush fires in Australia.
Kaylen Ward, who has now been dubbed the “Naked Philanthropist” on Twitter, direct messaged her private pictures to those who donated Sh100 ($10) towards one of the Australian fundraisers.
SELLING NUDES
Ward said she was inspired to launch the popular campaign because the tragedy wasn’t getting major coverage in comparison to other disasters.
“I’m sending nudes to every person who donates at least $10 to any one of these fundraisers for the wildfires in Australia. Every $10 you donate = one nude picture from me to your DM. You must send me confirmation that you donated,” Ward posted on Twitter.
Ward’s idea to sell nudes for charity went viral immediately, reaching a level that even she wasn’t expecting.
In a quote she gave to Buzzfeed News, she stated that she only expected to raise Sh100,000 ($1,000).
Shortly after her initial post, Ward said Instagram shut down her account, claiming she had violated its guidelines.
Instagram’s deletion was only part of the backlash.
On 5 January, Ward tweeted: “My IG got deactivated, my family disowned me, and the guy I like won’t talk to me all because of that tweet. But f**k it, save the koalas.”
DONATIONS
Early this week, the model said she wanted to help after seeing the widespread devastation caused by bushfires in Australia and thought her X-rated images would be the best way to raise funds.
Within minutes of posting her offer on social media, her private messages on Instagram and Twitter were bombarded by hundreds of people sending in their receipts to prove they had donated.
She asked her followers to donate directly to a list of charities she suggested, which included NSW Rural Fire Service, Victorian Country Fire Service, Red Cross and certain koala hospitals across the nation.
Within the first day, she had about 20,000 messages in her inbox with receipts.
By last week she had facilitated an estimated Sh100 million in donations.
Last Wednesday, however, she closed her offer and stopped accepting submissions for nudes.
“We have had an overwhelming amount of responses,” her assistant tweeted (and Ward retweeted), “but still encourage you to donate to Australia.”
Ward also tweeted a statement for anyone who may be suspicious of how she’s handling donated funds.
I just want to be very clear and make a public statement that none of the donation money to Australia has or ever will go to me. The only money I have made is money from my only fans. I guarantee I am not pocketing any donation money.
— THE NAKED PHILANTHROPIST (@lilearthangelk) January 8, 2020