Editor’s note: The following article was originally published on TheFranciscans.org. It has been edited for style.
The Franciscan friars are tech-savvy. Having introduced the “Text a Prayer Intention to a Franciscan Friar” program, they are now launching a social media campaign called “Gather 4 Good, Give 5 for Food” in support of an appeal by the Franciscan friars of Holy Name Province.
Launching on Oct. 16, World Food Day, the Friars Challenge will use the hashtag #Give5forFood and social media engagement as a fundraising tool with all dollars raised going directly to benefit food service programs including soup kitchens, breadlines and food pantries throughout the country. The Friars Challenge is sponsored by the Holy Name Province, headquartered in New York City.
By using the hashtag on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, the campaign will spotlight World Food Day as well as National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week from Nov. 14 to 22 as trending topics to engage social media users and raise funds. The campaign will conclude on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016.
“It is our intention to open up this appeal to a new audience and use social media as a tool to generate awareness of our efforts to eliminate hunger, a need that every religion and all races can relate to,” said David Convertino, OFM, executive director of development. “We look forward to seeing the many creative and fun group images of people gathering for good and giving $5 for food.”
The Friars Challenge will encourage groups, communities, families and organizations to take photos of themselves with $5 being contributed to the campaign for each person in the photo. The photo can be shared on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Participants can make their donation by visiting thefranciscans.org/5ff.
Each year, the Franciscan friars of Holy Name Province serve more than two million people on the East Coast by providing food, shelter and medical assistance, as well as financial assistance with tuition, funerals, rent and other personal needs. Following the popular spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, the Franciscans try to meet people where they are and respond to the genuine needs of the least of the Lord’s brothers and sisters.
Information about other ways to support Holy Name Province is available on the Office of Development’s website.
Related Links
- “Franciscan Challenge Offers Opportunity to Learn About, Help Friars” — April 10, 2013, HNP Today
- “Ways to Support the Franciscan Friars” — The Franciscans
- “Development Office Launches Facebook Page” — Sept. 23, 2013, HNP Today