THOUSANDS OF Twitter users around the world gave their typing fingers a brief rest as they gathered for an evening of offline social networking which raised more than €200,000 for charity.
The second “Twestival” gave Twitterers, as users of the site are known, a chance to leave the iPhone or laptop at home and come together in the flesh in about 200 cities, including Dublin, Galway and Belfast, to raise funds for Concern Worldwide.
Some $280,000 (€210,782) had been raised by 8pm last night through ticket sales, sponsorship and donations. The funds will be used to support Concern’s work in the third world providing access to education for children.
Adrian Mahon, who helped organise the Dublin Twestival event at the Odeon Bar on Harcourt Street, said the event was about coming together on a global scale as a fundraiser for a good cause. He estimates there are about 250,000 Twitter users in Ireland.
“It’s about using social media for social good,” he said. “People get to meet people they have befriended on Twitter over the year and have a good time.”
Mr Mahon said many of those in attendance were using their phones to Tweet pictures and give feedback at the event last night. “We told the band not to worry because if everybody is looking down they’re probably just Twittering.” Events also took place in Hotel Meyrick on Eyre Square in Galway and in Slide on Ann Street in Belfast.
Concern Worldwide chief executive Tom Arnold said the charity was delighted to have been selected to benefit from the event.
“Twestival Global is revolutionising the way concerned citizens all over the world connect to the poorest among us,” he said.
