There's a crowdfunder to help Greece pay off its debts - and backers get olives
Could people power and crowdfunding be the answer to Greece's money woes?
Well it most certainly could be. The Greek Bailout Fund on crowdfunding site IndieGoGo has accepted more than 71,697 euros in contributions from some 4,806 people. That's about £50,983.
And the figures just keep going up and up.
Right come on guys, let's just get this shit sorted. Everyone in the EU, Feta and Olives for lunch. Simple: https://t.co/IwA9W5Gte7
— Greek Bailout Fund (@GreekBailout) June 28, 2015
In return for backing the project, which has a goal of 1.6 billion euro – aka the amount Greece needs to repay to the International Monetary Fund – people are being offered olives, feta cheese, vouchers for Ouzo and Greek wine, and a signed postcard from the Greek PM Alexis Tsipras (though we don't think he knows about it just yet).
#GreekCrisis? RELAX, we've got it sorted! CrowdFunding of course: https://t.co/IwA9W5Gte7
— Greek Bailout Fund (@GreekBailout) June 28, 2015
The campaign has been started by Thom Feeney, a 29-year-old Yorkshireman currently living in Bethnal Green, London, where he works in a shoe shop, according to the site.
He denies that the site is a joke, writing on his IndieGoGo page's FAQ: "I can understand why people might take it as a joke, but Crowdfunding can really help because it's just a case of getting on and doing it. I was fed up of the Greek crisis going round in circles, while politicians are dithering, this is affecting real people.
"While all the posturing is going on, then it's easy for the politicians to forget that. I just thought, sod it, I'll have a crack."
If you're really committed to keeping Greece in the Eurozone then there are extra rewards for bigger pledges.
Hand over 5,000 euro and you can get an all-inclusive holiday for two in Athens, or give in to your philanthropic urges by donating a cool one million euro to "receive a lot of gratitude from the citizens of Europe and particularly the Greek people".
Just to be clear. We have solved the Greece crisis. We just need your help now, so come on citizens of Europe https://t.co/IwA9W5Gte7
— Greek Bailout Fund (@GreekBailout) June 28, 2015
Although we may have spotted a flaw in Feeney's plan. People only have to part with their cash if the full goal amount is achieved.
"Hopefully we'll make it through," writes Feeney.
Earlier bidders had been offered a Greek island for the full amount, but it has since been removed.
Thinking outside the box. #Greek diaspora, I'm looking at you. Help for your homeland? #grexit#Greecehttps://t.co/mIpJRwsVdG
— Ranya Karafilly (@RanyaKarafilly) June 29, 2015
Let's do it . . . . I just did . . . . . #crowdfundgreecehttps://t.co/g2dtbY8IBK
— Marie Clowes (@marieclowes) June 30, 2015
100% behind @GreekBailout IndieGoGo campaign. Let's dare to dream, show some solidarity and #crowdfundgreece! https://t.co/9pn0XRBMTc
— Bárbara Mendes-Jorge (@flame_me_up) June 30, 2015