Widget Whiteberry recently guest-blogged a heartfelt post on the DIP site about the culture of generosity that pervades Second Life.
Whiteberry cites three case studies where the communities within Second Life have reached beyond the virtual realm and into the real world.
First, Widget writes about Hung Runningbear’s call for tax-deductible donations to his ride to benefit the Southern Tier AIDS Program’s 2008 AIDS Ride for Life. Hung calls not only for donations, be he is willing to accept donations in Lindens, which he will transfer to the group’s organizers.
Widget then talks about an in-world vocalist and music teacher named Jonas Lunasea who used Second Life’s community resources to arrange in-world benefit concerts to support the unexpected expenses of his real world school in New Hampshire.
Widget’s third story cites the remarkable story of Nick Dupree (Namav Abramovic in SL), a person with Muscular Distrophy whose fight for government support in his home state of Alabama was insiprational and ongoing. In Second Life, Namav founded the Open Gates Peer Support Network, a support channel for those with disabilities. Nick has been able to raise substantial amounts of money for his cause and for others in Second Life.
Thank you, Dusan. I’m happy to report that Jonas and Hung reached their modest fundraising goals.
Namav, who I believe will continue to make a huge impact on public policy regarding health and disability, is finally* receiving a level of rehab care that will allow him to live a fuller and even more productive life. It is, however, lonely to be hospitalized in a new city.