Facebook Users Donate $15 Million to Nepal

Facebook users have donated more than $US15 million to help the people of Nepal after the country was struck by two massive earthquakes – again highlighting the power of social media.

The social network founder and the world’s youngest billionaire, Mark Zuckerberg, put out a call to users of the site at the end of April to give money to the International Medical Corps using a donate button at the top of their news feeds.

Zuckerberg also pledged to match every donation up to $2 million.

“Together we can help urgent care reach the people who need it,” Zuckerberg said in a facebook post.

“Thinking of all of you who are there and all of you who have relatives and friends in the affected areas.”

The call to arms worked with more than 750,000 people donating to the relief effort.

Zuckerberg said it was inspiring to see people from all over the world come together to help the struggling nation.

“I want to thank everyone in our community for coming together to support those affected by the Nepal earthquake,” he said.

“More than 750,000 people from around the world gave over $15 million to the International Medical Corps relief efforts, and Facebook donated an additional $2 million on top of that to local recovery efforts.

“Thank you for coming together to give people a lifeline when they need it most.”

Zuckerberg also shared a video showing people how their money would be used.

International Medical Corps was obviously happy with the sizeable donation, turning to facebook to thank Zuckerberg.

“Thank you Mark Zuckerberg and to the whole Facebook Community for your generous support to help the people of Nepal heal!” the aid organisation said.

Close to 9,000 people have been killed since Nepal was hit by the two massive earthquakes.