Blessings seek support through collaboration
A movement set up to share a financial boost to people has grown in popularity, but people who want to help, can’t.
A social media movement called #hiddenblessings has been leaving a cash ‘blessing’ of $50 in locations around the country.
The initiative is promoted via a social media page which now has over 26,000 followers. But the man who started it all says he’s not been able to accept donations from supporters.
Speaking under condition of anonymity, the man, known as ‘HB Brother’ said he’d like to accept donations to continue the momentum of the initiative. However, if he does, and donors claim GST back on their donation, Inland Revenue could follow the money trail.
That would generate costs at his expense as he is not a registered charity.
“I kind of back-pedalled from accepting donation support in the form of money.”
There are several reasons HB brother chooses not to register as a charity. He wishes to preserve his anonymity, keep the movement organic and keep his identity out of the public eye.
“People won’t know my face at all unless I know and trust them, as well as some people I have collaborated with who I trust. Partly for my own safety and security when I’m out in public”
He explained to media earlier this year that he became inspired to help more after an encounter with a man in need.
He branched out via social media and, with a collaborator, HB Sister, began making short videos in communities across the country showing people where to find a $50 note.
As the movement gained traction, HB Sister became focused on other projects so HB Brother has continued the movement solo.
The process is that people follow the #hiddenblessings social media to get information to locate where the money has been hidden.
Each note comes with a message from HB Brother which reads; ‘This hidden treasure is our gift to you. If this find brightens your day, enjoy it. If you don’t need it, we ask you to pay it forward to someone who does’.
HB Brother told Waikato Independent he wants to create a ripple effect of generosity and goodwill within New Zealand communities – but didn’t expect his idea to get national traction so quickly.
“I want the movement to be publicised, I want other people to get on board.”
Despite the challenge of not being a registered charity, he would like to see it expand with brand partnerships and voucher exchanges.
“If I can get some brands to pitch it up, I can continue to facilitate kindness with the help of other people’s contributions – happy days”
