The social media campaign “#nomakeupselfie” went viral last week, trying to raise awareness and money for breast cancer research. But thousands of people nearly adopted a polar bear instead.
In order to donate to Cancer Research UK, you had to text the word “BEAT” to a generic donations number, but instead, some charitable folks’ generous donations were auto-corrected to “BEARS,” resulting in them adopting a polar bear rather than donating to Cancer Research.
“Thank you for choosing an adorable polar bear,” donors received back. “We will call you today to set up your adoption.”
The World Wildlife Fund soon realized that the texts weren’t meant to go to them and made sure that no money was taken, replying to those who donated:
“We wish Cancer Research UK every success in their campaign and their goals, polar bear selfies are harder to come by, though, as far as we are aware, none wear make up.”
Another donation blunder occurred when the wrong number and details were spread over social media, telling people to message the word “DONATE” to 70099, a combination that UNICEF has the sole use of in the UK.
According to UNICEF, £18,625 ($33,628) had been wrongly donated to them.
So it’s all a bit of a financial headache, but hopefully it will inspire people to show the polar bears some love as well.