# The Harlem Shake Charity Shake Off

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2013/02/26/harlem-shake-charity-shake/
- Published: 2013-02-26T20:58:32+00:00
- Author: Howard Lake

Several UK charities are making the most of new Internet meme the Harlem Shake to
spread some fun and raise funds at the same time.

[Kirsty Marrins](http://twitter.com/londonkirsty), whose [Google Analytics for charities](https://www.fundraising.co.uk/google-analytics-charities-handy-tweetsized-tips)
report we featured yesterday, started collecting these charity Harlem Shake videos.
Since at least one of the videos was created in response to the offer of a donation,
she came up with the idea to raise more funds.

> @[rnli](https://twitter.com/rnli) @[macmillancancer](https://twitter.com/macmillancancer)
> I'm thinking people vote by texting a donation to the charity that they think '
> shakes' better…
> 
> ## Advertisement
> 
> — Kirsty Marrins (@LondonKirsty) [February 26, 2013](https://twitter.com/LondonKirsty/status/306388661015023616)

 

The **#HarlemShakeCharityDanceOff** was born. Charities assembled their text-to-
give numbers and the voting has opened.

Here is Kirsty's account of the unusual competition.

 

_Editor’s update: this Storify is no longer available: [https://storify.com/londonkirsty/rnli-vs-macmillan-harlem-shake-charity-dance-off](https://storify.com/londonkirsty/rnli-vs-macmillan-harlem-shake-charity-dance-off)_

And the lesson for other charities? While you don't have to – and shouldn't try 
to – get involved in every new Internet fad, these odd, daft fascinations can offer
charity staff a chance to show themselves in a different light (ie. having fun),
perhaps reach a different audience, and try to raise funds in an unusual and even
hip way.

And if you want to see another charity making the most of this opportunity, albeit
in a more serious way, have a look at **The Worst Harlem Shake Ever** from the Dutch
Parkinsons Society (via @osocio):