SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Organisations within the gaming industry have been working together to launch a major fundraising push to help people displaced by the current military action in Ukraine.
The Gaming Industry for Ukraine initiative aims to raise £250,000 to support Choose Love’s Ukraine Crisis Fundraiser, which supports projects providing vital aid to the refugees that are being created by Russia’s incursion into Ukraine. Donations can be made by clicking the link here.
Over 350,000 people have fled Ukraine in the past week and Choose Love is raising money for those who are delivering essential aid and services to those still in and fleeing the country, including: emergency medical care, food, shelter, clothes, legal support, support for the LGBTQIA+ community and mental health support.
There has been a strong desire from all parts of the gaming industry to provide assistance to the people of Ukraine during this testing time. This is why several organisations within the gambling sector have been working together to set up a mechanism to enable everyone to provide assistance to the people of Ukraine via this GoFundMe campaign.
Gaming Industry for Ukraine explained: “Most organisations employ people from Ukraine, or have done business in the region, shared a drink with them and above all have made friends with them.
“The global gambling industry is a family and what has become clear over the past few days is the strength of responsibility it feels in providing support to the people of Ukraine, which is why we have started this campaign to allow us to work together to make it easier for that to happen.
“After extensive research, we concluded that Choose Love will make use of the funds raised in the quickest and most efficient manner by assisting those who need it the most. We know many have launched their own inspiring efforts but we set this up for those who weren’t sure how to get involved and which raise to choose for fast and effective support. By working collectively, we can also show how the industry can be a force for good.”
It is not just cash donations that the campaign is collecting. It is also appealing to companies with leftover and unused promotional merchandise such as power banks, towels, water bottles, and clothing to send them in to help the aid effort. Many companies will have unused stock from planned promotional activities over the past couple of years for events that didn’t happen and this stock can provide a massive boost for refugees who have left behind all their possessions.
Companies wishing to donate this superfluous stock should contact [email protected] – To make a donation to the Gaming Industry for Ukraine campaign visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/kjuwn-gaming-industry-supporting-ukraine-relief
