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Helping Thailand's flood victims with squeegees
In a flashmob-style operation, foreign and local volunteers are hitting the streets to wash windshields for donations
An unlikely sight on Bangkok's streets -- squeegee-wielding foreigners wash car windows to raise money for flood victims. Foreigners and Thais have assembled to fight the floods in Bangkok with an unlikely weapon: squeegees.
Since July, more than 530 people have died in Thailand's floods. In response, volunteers from the foreign and local communities have mobilized a fundraising campaign called "Wipe the Tide."
This month, more than 200 volunteers (and counting) have hit the streets of the capital to take action and support Thailand residents during the severe flooding crisis. Their mission is to help flood victims and rebuild the city’s devastated areas by washing car windshields for donations.
Launched by Bangkok Vanguards, a local grassroots organization, Wipe the Tide began with nine volunteers posted at major traffic intersections. In less than two hours, they raised nearly 27,750 baht.
The word spread. Like a flashmob operation, friends would call more friends, and soon, teams emerged. To date, the movement has grown to more than 200 volunteers, divided into teams of 15 or more. So far, Wipe the Tide has raised more than 485,700 Baht.
Each team has a leader, washers and wipers, sign holders, donation collectors, a hype crew and someone who records the experience.
The collaborative initiative not only brings foreigners and Thais together in solidarity, but also uses social media tools to reach the broader community.
Bangkok Vanguards has been updating its progress through Facebook, YouTube and blogs. Organizers are now seeking ideas and input from followers about where and how to best invest the funds.
