A crowdfunding campaign backed by Ethiopian comedian Eshetu Melese has led to more than $1.6m (£1.35m) raised within 48 hours for a charity that plans to build what it describes as the first nursing home facility for homeless people in the country. 

The money has come from 15,200 donations, with the highest amount being $10,000. 

The GoFundMe campaign is aimed at helping the charity Mekedonia to raise $2m.

"Make a difference in the lives of countless elderly and mentally challenged people who live under dire circumstances on the streets - help us build home for the homeless," it says.

The comedian also helped the charity raise donations from local banks, though that amount is unclear. 

Eshetu is a young stand-comedian and TV host in Ethiopia. He has become popular in recent years for a show that features talented children.

Such campaigns rely heavily on donations from the huge number of Ethiopians in the diaspora - especially in North America and Europe - and they appear to have poured their hearts out.

"It is not the size of the gift that matters but the size of the heart," the fundraising page says.