While the news the last few days has been all about San Diego Comic-Con, there was some not so pleasant news just as the event kicked off. Anime creators Kyoto Animation was the victim of a devastating fire that cost both damage to the building and took lives.
Even worse is that it became clear just hours after the blaze started it wasn’t an accident. Witnesses say that a man doused the Kyoto Animation studio in a flammable liquid and ignited it. If he was looking for maximum carnage and maximum damage he was successful.
The arson led to a burned-out building and even more horrific, 33 deaths. While it’s going to be a while before those who survived the blaze are able to get past the tragedy, the anime community has rallied around the studio with a GoFundMe that has raised millions of dollars in just a matter of days.
Why Kyoto Animation matters.
It's a rare case of an anime studio comprised of passionate, enthusiastic, well-compensated individuals with a healthy working environment.
It's made of passion.
Read more at the @sakugabooru article: https://t.co/rlxvrnZHm8#京都アニ #KyoAni
— ChunandRice (@ChunandRice) July 18, 2019
As of Sunday morning, the Kyoto Animation GoFundMe has tallied more than $1.8 million dollars in just 72 hours of existence. Making the money raised even more impressive is the goal was just $750,000.
If the amount earned so far has raised your eyebrows, the really most interesting part is just how many people have donated to the cause. The fund didn’t reach that level because some millionaire donated most of the cash. The community has truly come together with hundreds and even thousands of smaller amounts sent.
All of this isn’t the work of a random fan getting lucky with virality either. The Kyoto Animation GoFundMe was started by Houston, Texas-based Sentai Filmworks.
The company made it clear in its opening statement just why it decided to start the fundraising effort that has exploded. “In addition to the loss of life, many lives will be forever changed. Like all of you, we wanted to take action to help however we can.”
Have you decided to donate to the GoFundMe for Kyoto Animation? Let us know in the comments below.