This weekend, streaming platform Twitch raised over $2.7m for COVID-19 relief efforts with a fundraising broadcast.
StreamAid 2020 saw popular music artists, gaming influencers and sports stars band together for a full day of performances and video game tournaments in order to raise funds for the World Health Organisation. The final total raised was $2,766,857.12.
The 12-hour stream took place on Saturday 28th March and featured saw the likes of Ellie Goulding, John Legend, Rita Ora, Halestorm and Biffy Clyro perform short live sets from what was presumably the comfort of their own homes.
In between musical performances, various celebrities and gaming creators took part in Twitch Rivals tournaments, competing in Fortnite and Uno. Streamer Dakotaz and members of The Yogscast made appearances during the stream.
Making a difference
"We all came together so make this happen and we still have a lot of work to do but this brings me an enormous amount of hope and belief that today we made a difference and we'll continue to make a difference in the fight against #COVID19," said Marcus "djWHEAT" Graham, director of creator development at Twitch.
The fundraising efforts didn't stop at Twitch, either. Countless other streamers on the platform are also banding together to raise money for the cause throughout their own communities. Participating creators are being featured in a TwitchAid category as efforts continue.
Thank you to everyone who helped #TwitchStreamAid raise $2,766,857.12 and counting for the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO powered by the United Nations Foundation.
— Twitch (@Twitch) March 29, 2020
If you haven’t added your support yet, there’s still time to donate: https://t.co/AjSupCmx7K pic.twitter.com/rdHo0SBDH0
