Massachusetts Content Creator Uses Popularity to Transform Lives in Cape Verde

Content creator Anthony Varela, a Bridgewater native and proud Cape Verdean, is using his influence on social media to bring about significant change in Cape Verde, one of the world's neediest countries. And he's not alone in this mission - he's partnered with his father, Antonio Varela, who knows first-hand the challenges faced by the Cape Verdean people.

Known online as "nobodycaresanthony", Varela has won over millions of followers with his sharp humor, sarcastic observations and good-natured criticism of the absurdities of everyday life on the internet. But recently, the creator showed a more sensitive and engaged side in a video that quickly went viral, moving his audience.

Antonio Varela, Anthony's father, immigrated to the United States at the age of 13, but has never forgotten his roots. He returns to Cape Verde several times a year to help those in need - donating time, resources, building houses and assisting compatriots with US citizenship and residency processes.

Antonio Varela's father immigrated to the United States but never forgot his roots.

"My father always helped others quietly, without expecting recognition," said Anthony. "When I started growing up on the web, I thought, 'I bet if we do a fundraiser, I can spread the word and lots of people will want to help.

In just two years, the family's campaign has already raised more than 100 thousand dollars.

In his most recent video, Varela shared the story of a 13-year-old boy in a wheelchair, whose blind mother carried him on her back to school every day - a school that doesn't even have a toilet.

"Seeing him use the wheelchair for the first time was something that marked me deeply," said Varela, visibly moved.

Now, the goal is bigger: Anthony plans to travel to Cape Verde with his father and a film crew to show the world the local reality and continue raising funds.

Varela's initiative is available online and accepts donations: