Buzzfeed staff writer Erin Chack. Photo: FacebookThe Maltese were so grateful for a mention on viral social content website Buzzfeed that some of them decided to turn the island’s reputation for hospitality into reality by setting up a crowd-funding campaign to give the article’s author a free Malta holiday.
One month on, Christopher Mintoff, a 27-year-old who helped set up the campaign, is keen to give the project a boost after 30 per cent of the target sum of €1,200 was reached.
“I must admit, it wasn’t my first priority,” he told Times of Malta.
“Of course it’s not the most noble of causes – there are other more important causes that I dedicate my heart, soul and energy to. I’ve volunteered for many NGOs and even went on the Kilimanjaro challenge.
“Yet, as I had written, it’s not trying to be a noble cause. It’s a fun one! Sometimes we buy strangers at a bar drinks to celebrate, we give tips to show appreciation and we smile at strangers just because we’re friendly.
“We’re not looking to change the world – it’s something small which can greatly benefit Malta. Buzzfeed has a huge catchment area.”
We believe she deserves to see it in real life
Last month, Buzzfeed staff writer Erin Chack featured Malta in typical Buzzfeed style, by posting picturesque images of the island beneath catchy phrases detailing her incredulity at just how gorgeous the island was.
The post went viral abroad, as well as amongst many Maltese who were bursting with pride at having their home country showered with such attention.
Ms Chack is a New Yorker who, despite having a Maltese grandfather, has never been to Malta.
“We believe she deserves to see it in real life,” Mr Mintoff wrote on the campaign’s website, dubbed #GetErin2Malta.
“Let’s show her Maltese hospitality. Funds collected will mainly go towards her travel and transport needs. We have to fly her in from New York and then show her around the island. Remaining funds will be used for her accommodation, and to show her our Maltese cuisine.”
The campaign gained some €200 in the first 24 hours, only to have now reached a plateau at €353.
“It isn’t a priority but we’re looking into pushing it a bit now. We even had a hotel offering to sponsor Erin and we were even in talks with the Malta Tourism Authority.
“But we don’t wish the authorities to get involved – we want the Maltese nation to invite her over.
“Imagine if she writes a well-written article, detailing how she was invited by the Maltese nation in response to the great publicity she gave our island? It would make for incredible marketing.
“A fiver is all we’re looking at. If we collect enough fivers from enough people, we can do justice to our reputation of hospitality.”
For more information visit http://gogetfunding.com/project/get-erin-to-malta-geterin2malta#/project_details .