As fires rage across Colorado, volunteers fight to raise funds for the relief effort.

The devastating wildfires in Colorado have made national and worldwide news accounts in recent weeks and touched the hearts of many who wanted to do something to help. A group of local businesses and a few designers put their heads together and came up with some t-shirt designs they could sell with the profits going to relief efforts for the victims of the fire.

The group’s initial goal was to raise $1,500, more than they thought they could manage by opening their own wallets. As the news of their effort went viral on social media outlets, though, their initial goal was shattered. Sales surpassed predictions by a ridiculous amount and the group raise over $320,000 –in just six days! All of the profits are earmarked for Care and Share, a local food bank and the Colorado branch of the Red Cross as both groups are instrumental in providing relief for victims in the area.

The response has been overwhelming but not without problems too. The group could not handle the volume of sales they were getting and had to bring in a t-shirt shop in Denver to help with the project. The sudden inflow of cash also created some concern with PayPal, the group’s financial component in the project and they had to scramble to get their non-profit paperwork pushed through quickly to accommodate the requirements. Both of these are good problems to have and have been rectified.

The largest spike in orders came shortly after a large number of homes were destroyed last week. Orders were even received from Canada, Britain and Denmark.

Wild Fire Tees is now working on new designs and working on a plan to raise money to pay for shirts for all the firefighters as a simple thank you. Funds for 650 shirts have been raised and they are moving closer to their goal of 1000 – enough to clothe all the firefighters. The group has expanded their goal to $500,000 and wants to provide relief statewide for victims of the wildfires.

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