According to a viral video posted on April 11 2023, a compassionate TikToker who had fed over 1,600 people during the UK’s cost-of-living crisis faced a distressing incident. Carly Burd, the TikToker in question, found her garden vandalized with salt, destroying her crops.
The video has garnered more than 4.9 million views. With numerous strangers sending in donations and locals offering their assistance to restore her garden
Back in November 2022, Carly Burd initiated the “A Meal on Me With Love” project. One where she cultivated fruits and vegetables in her Harlow, England garden and packed them into donation boxes for those in need. She proudly mentioned feeding 190 people single-handedly and transforming her entire garden into a productive allotment in a fundraiser she had launched.
In a recent update, Burd expressed her belief that someone had trespassed onto her land and deliberately poured excessive amounts of salt- causing irreversible damage to the fruits of her labor. Unfortunately, this act of sabotage resulted in the loss of countless hours of hard work as the presence of excessive salt can severely impede plant growth on farmland.
“Everything I’ve planted won’t grow, and I can’t replant on it because it won’t grow,” she said
The response to Carly Burd’s plight has been nothing short of heartwarming. Commenters on the viral video flooded it with words of support- expressing their sadness over the incident and offering her various forms of assistance. Many individuals even extended their helping hands. Willing to contribute their time and efforts to bring her garden back to life.
Some TikTokers who identified themselves as farmers shared valuable advice. They were suggesting the use of plenty of straw and water to potentially undo some of the damage caused by the salt. Their encouraging words conveyed a sense of determination, assuring Carly that the situation could be rectified.
Read: No land, no problem: How a lady farmer converts an idle backyard into a productive urban vegetable garden
The outpouring of generosity didn’t stop there. Many viewers sent in donations, eager to contribute and show their solidarity. Despite their dismay at what had occurred, they expressed admiration for Carly’s resilience and the support she was receiving in the face of adversity.
In a follow-up video on April 12, Carly expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming influx of donations. However, she couldn’t help but feel the weight of the devastating act, still crushed by the impact of being able to taste the salt lingering in her garden.
The collective response showcased the power of online communities rallying together to offer compassion, help, and financial support in times of need. Carly Burd’s story touched the hearts of millions by turning an act of vandalism into an opportunity for people to unite and make a positive difference in her life.
Carly Burd appeared tearful as she expressed her deep sorrow over the destruction of her garden
She mentioned that the onions, lovingly planted by her children and volunteers, could have fed as many as 300 families. The immense amount of effort invested in cultivating the allotment left her lost for words, emphasizing the significant impact of the incident.
Despite the heartbreak, Carly’s GoFundMe campaign has received an overwhelming response from compassionate donors. As of April 12, the campaign had raised an astonishing £83,290, far surpassing its initial goal of £4,000. Carly has made it clear that all the funds raised will be reinvested into her “A Meal on Me” initiative. Highlighting her unwavering commitment to helping those in need.
The food crisis in the UK, exacerbated by record-high inflation, has put many citizens, especially children, at a greater risk of hunger.
Carly’s personal experiences with financial struggles due to disability have fueled her empathy for those facing similar hardships. Her determination to make a positive impact in the lives of others was evident in a television interview she shared on her account in November.
Despite the setback caused by the vandals, Carly remains resilient and determined not to be defeated. With the help of others, she has already started to address the damage caused by the salt. She plans to cover the affected area with topsoil to “neutralize” it, enabling the growth of crops once again. Additionally, Carly has envisioned turning the space into a community area, fostering connections among neighbors and providing a place for people to share their food and harvests.
As of now, the identity of the perpetrator or perpetrators remains unclear, and Carly has yet to comment on the situation. Nevertheless, her spirit and willingness to transform adversity into a force for positive change continue to inspire those around her. “I’m absolutely overwhelmed by everyone’s comments and everything,” she added. “I really do appreciate it — thank you.“
Keep Reading: Father, 41, ran over two teenage boys who “bullied his son”
Sources
- “A woman who grows and donates food to those in need said someone dumped salt on her garden, destroying her harvest. TikTokers rushed to offer money and support.” Insider. Mara Leighton. April 12, 2023
- TikTok. carlyburd43.