Sunshine Coast charities have been caught up in Facebook’s news ban saga, leaving families without support and blocking critical community fundraising.
With organisations waking up to the news on Thursday morning, Facebook pages remained shut down over the weekend with no news of if or when pages will be restored.
For local disability charity STEPS, the timing couldn’t have been worse.
Known for their innovative work in developing skills for independence for people with a disability, the shutdown has thwarted the charity’s major campaign to raise funds for Australia’s first and only disability boarding college, STEPS Pathways College.
STEPS managing director Carmel Crouch said the move by Facebook had cost the charity dearly, putting more than six months of planning, hard work, and money to waste.
“I’m disgusted that Facebook would do this,” Ms Crouch said.
“It’s completely irresponsible, and frankly incomprehensible, as to why they would choose to go after the little guys like this.
“Their actions have directly impacted the most vulnerable people in our community.”
STEPS Charity had just launched their inaugural Steps4STEPS fundraising campaign with radio station 92.7Mix FM, using Facebook as a primary platform for raising funds.
Ms Crouch said their students had been excited to be involved in the campaign and were eager to raise funds for their part in the charity walk.
“It’s been really deflating for our students, and all of us,” Ms Crouch added.
“We’re doing everything we can to get the word out in other ways but unfortunately we depend on Facebook, it’s where our supporters are, and it’s become a critical place for us to get our message out there.” Ms Crouch said while she hoped their page would be restored soon, she urged the community to show their support and help STEPS Charity to create a brighter, more independent future for young adults with a disability and autism through their crowdfunding page at www.mycause.com.au/events/stepsforsteps
