We all remember the viral internet challenges of the past. From the cinnamon challenge to the Kylie Jenner lip challenge, the internet has always been booming with all sorts of crazy social media dares.
However, in light of the devastating damage caused by Hurricane Harvey, comedian Kevin Hart took it upon himself to create a new sort of task: The Hurricane Harvey Relief Challenge.
Last Sunday, Hart posted a video onto his Instagram requesting his celebrity friends to donate $25,000 to help the state of Texas recover from the damage caused by Hurricane Harvey. In his post, he tagged celebrities Dwayne The Rock Johnson, Beyonc, Chris Rock, Jay-Z, Dave Chappelle, Jerry Seinfeld, Steve Harvey and Justin Timberlake, urging them to donate.
Those tagged in the video responded to Harts challenge through public donations and social media posts, asking others to donate to the cause. Dozens of celebrities such as Nicki Minaj, DJ Khaled and Waka Flocka also responded to the challenge. However, not everyone was on board to lend a helping hand.
Rapper Master P shared his distaste for Harts post during an interview with TMZ, saying, Its not necessary. A lot of people are going to do what they want to do no matter what it is, as long as you give it from your heart I dont think you have to do that with other people.
Despite the criticism from Master P, what Kevin Hart did is a fine example of using his fame for the greater good. Not everyone can casually tag Beyonc and Jay-Z in an Instagram post and create a challenge that accumulates millions of dollars in donations.
Following the Hurricane Harvey Challenge post, Hart made a follow-up post in which he announced he would now be donating $50,000 and shared a link for others to send donations. Within a mere 48 hours of opening the link, Hart was able to raise $1 million.
Although Harts challenge was originally aimed toward multi-million dollar celebrities, people like us can make a difference, as well. Visit http://www.redcross.org/donate/hurricane-harvey to send donations from as small as $10. Consider stepping up to help those living in storm-damaged areas.
