YouTube, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to launch September fundraising campaign for gaming creators to give back
St. Jude PLAY LIVE, a program that allows creators to stream video games while raising money for kids at St. Jude, has raised more than $10 million in the last four years. For the first time, YouTube gaming creators will pioneer fundraising for St. Jude using YouTube's newest fundraising features.
In anticipation of this initiative, YouTube creators recently visited St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, where they toured the hospital, played games with St. Jude patients and experienced the St. Jude mission firsthand.
"Seeing the smiles that video games put on kids' faces when they're going through the battle of their lives put everything into perspective for me," said Mari Takahashi from Smosh Games. "The video games bring joy to these kids while the money we raise will bring hope for a cure. Being a part of this initiative is something that I'm so proud of, and I'll never forget the experience I had when I visited St. Jude. It's a place filled with hope."
Families at St. Jude never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.
"We're so proud to be teaming up with YouTube creators to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which is focused on better treatment, understanding, and resources for childhood cancer," said Kelly Merryman, Vice President of Content Partnerships at YouTube. "Through this new collaboration, YouTube creators can help raise awareness and funds for St. Jude directly on YouTube, making it easier than ever for their communities to get involved."
"YouTube is helping pave the way for how we can work with creators to leverage their platforms to support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital," said Richard Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. "This innovative way of using technology to bring people together coupled with contributions made through St. Jude PLAY LIVE on YouTube helps us work towards our mission of ending childhood cancer, together."
St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. YouTube gaming creators that are pioneering this initiative include AbdallahSmash026, Aphmau, AtomicMari, Blessious, Funhaus, IGN, ItsFunneh, JeromeASF, KreekCraft, LaurenzSide, Noahj456, and Smosh Games. YouTube will be covering all transaction fees for this campaign.
To get involved and support St. Jude during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, visit stjude.org/together. Learn more about St. Jude PLAY LIVE on YouTube here.
SOURCE St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Related Links
http://www.stjude.org
