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This Bachelorette Contestant is Raising Money for Domestic Violence Victims

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The Bachelorette‘s Derek Peth is using his fame for good.

Since JoJo Fletcher chose to end their relationship, 29-year-old Peth has found a call in activism, supporting victims of domestic and sexual assault.

It all began when Peth received a call from his hometown friend Mark around the time he was booted off the show, informing him that Mark’s sister, Brenda, had committed suicide.

“I didn’t know how to help my friend and his family other than send love and make sure he knows that he’s my brother and anything he needs I’m here for,” Peth told Bustle. “So when they announced that they were requesting donations in support of Brenda’s causes, I was like, I gotta get other people involved in this somehow.”

So, Peth started a GoFundMe account in Brenda’s honor using the hashtag #BrendasCause to raise money for Iowa charities that help survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Peth told Bustle that Brenda had worked with victims of domestic violence and assault for years but “didn’t have the support she needed recently.”

“I acknowledge that I am a stranger to most,” he wrote on the fundraiser page. “Nonetheless, I implore you to act and donate, not only on behalf of the life lost, but to support the lives of those in need.”

The fundraiser came after Peth learned that Brenda’s family encouraged donations to the local agencies in lieu of flowers.

“My hope is just to show Mark and his family some love and show them how much I want [Brenda’s] name to be remembered in the most positive light,” Peth told Bustle, adding “and for her to be able to help, through her story, as many women as possible, even though she’s no longer here with us.”

This article originally appeared on People.com

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