Uh, I have to kinda agree that donating bitcoins is kinda weird. I would feel like we are trying to profit off their tragedy by trying to throw the word "bitcoin" into the discussion about their tragedy. Because really- we are the ones that profit from the exposure, and all they get is a couple bitcoins. :-/
I'm actually inclined to agree with this. A couple of other online communities to which I belong looked into this yesterday. The "hero" who rescued the women has publicly said he wants any reward to which he's entitled to be given to the young women. From what has been posted elsewhere, it sounds like they'll be entitled to a lot of ongoing psychological support for which they will not have to pay.
Financially, everyone and their dog is going to be offering them money for interview, book deals and movie deals.
There's nothing wrong with a show of support, but I think it has to be something more meaningful - whether that's a big ass bunch of flowers or it's using Bitcoin to pay for a few nights accommodation somewhere so they can get away from the media frenzy with their families (likely their biggest immediate need of all right now). Hell, even a donation to the service which was set up by Elizabeth Smart would have more meaning and be more useful than "lets throw money at these young women".
yes maybe everyone donating to something else for them is a better option but i want to try and do something.
