The story below is why personal crowdfunding is so powerful and why I believe this type of direct help can be even more powerful then big organization donations. There is no doubt that large not-for-profits do amazing work and need to be supported but through the power of crowdfunding YOU, the individual can make a direct impact on an individual or family going through a personal disaster.
Kiersten Shideler was a clerk at GameStop in Renton, WA working alone in the store on Wednesday January 14th. An individual came in to the store and was being shown a game controller by Kiersten. The suspect identified (and later arrested) grabbed Kiersten putting a knife to her throat and instructed her to open the cash register. She proceeded to follow his instruction and although the register was opened, he proceeded to slash her throat before exiting the store.
Kiersten had the presence of mind, while bleeding from the neck to call 911 for emergency assistance. Thankfully the police and ambulance arrived, she was brought to Harborview Medical Center and received emergency treatment. She was placed in intensive care but a full recovery is expected.
Kiersten’s family have started a fundraising effort on GoFundMe to help with the expenses that will be involved in her recovery. Please have a look at their crowdfunding campaign, share and donate if you have the means. These are the unfortunate situations that personal crowdfunding was created for. When your small donation goes directly to an individual in need.
The story has been highly publicized but we have not seen a follow-up article letting folks (many of whom have inquired) know where they could send donations to help Kiersten. Please consider donating and sharing this campaign on social media.
We wish Kiersten a speedy recovery!! and hope that a larger media outlet will follow-up with a link to the fundraising campaign.
