The gaming industry's campaign to raise funds for Ukrainians displaced by Russian military action raises over £ 190,000 in one week.
“It's great to get so many big companies involved as the gaming industry comes together to raise money for the 'Choose Love' charity. The industry has been extremely supportive of our efforts as we try to help our friends in Ukraine at this difficult time. "
These are the words of Karolina Pelc, one of the creators of the “Gaming industry for Ukraine” fundraising campaign, created to help people displaced by the current military action in Ukraine, which in a week has already exceeded 190 thousand pounds.
The money will flow into the £ 2.5 million fund of the charity 'Choose Love', which has already committed £ 1 million in vital aid and services to those who are still in and fleeing the country, including: emergency medical, food, shelter, clothing, legal support, support for the LGBTQIA + community, and mental health support.
Choose Love explains how it has already used the money raised by the gaming industry: "Last week, as your donations kept coming in, we had a team of two on the ground to figure out what everyone on the run needs. from Ukraine and build connections with responding teams ...
There are two broad strands where funding is heading: emergency response, long-term support, and capacity building. We are working to ensure that both of these strands reach services in Ukraine and surrounding countries.
We are distributing funds to partners operating in Ukraine and surrounding areas (Romania, Moldova and Poland) and will update you in the coming days with more details. Thank you very much for the love and support you have shown us ”.
Industry members who have been closely affected also share their experiences.
Alyona Gromova, Sbc's sales manager for Eastern Europe, explains the impact her invasion had on her family: “I will never forget the morning of February 24, 2022, which began with a very early phone call from my brother. He told me that he had interrupted his business trip and that he was trying to go home because the war had started. I can't put into words how this morning changed my life. I am away from my family now and it is extremely difficult. The nights are not the same and I remain almost sleepless all night until morning so I can call and text my relatives and friends asking about their safety. Last week was the worst of my life. I'm just praying that the war is over soon, that it never happens again. Thank you all for your support".
Ceo Gal Ehrlich, who manages Ukrainian company Beter, talks about the situation of his company: "Beter employs more than 500 employees and 1000 sportsmen in Ukraine. These are difficult times for all of us, with our sites in Ukraine. temporarily closed, although we remain committed to delivering quality content to our partners from our multiple locations located across the European Union. With many of our team members joining the Ukrainian Defense Forces, we need to reduce our production quantity ; but we remain resilient, fully committed to our employees and partners and we will not stop. "
The "Gaming industry for Ukraine" campaign has a goal of 250 thousand pounds and among the main contributors to the fund are Betsson Group, which has donated 50 thousand, Microgaming, Olbg, Better Collective, Just for the Win, Enteractive, Funfair Games, FSB Technology, Sports Media Holdings, Fast Track, Cash Magnet, Green Jade Games, Continent8 Games, Clarion Gaming, Beyond Play, Sbc and Vixio.
To make a donation to the “Gaming industry for Ukraine” campaign, you can visit the campaign website, at
this link.