When a popular South African born gamer called Rendog contacted us last year to offer his support, we had no idea of the incredible impact he would have upon our organisation. True to his word, his support was immediate; with the help of his loyal Minecraft fan base, he agreed to sponsor the education and care of 3 SOS Africa children.
Following the recent launch of our Emergency Food Relief Appeal, in response to the shortage of food supplies during South Africa’s Coronavirus Lockdown, Rendog once again stepped forward and came to the aid of his fellow South Africans.
To boost the fantastic amount of funds already raised by the appeal, Rendog teamed up with fellow streamer Grian, a hugely popular British YouTube streamer with 5.26 million subscribers, to host a 3-hour livestream fundraising event. What resulted was the most successful fundraising initiative in the charity’s 17-year history!
The livestream began with what we thought was an ambitious fundraising target of £20,000 and a great introduction to the charity and the goal of the appeal by the livestream hosts Rendog and Grian. Within minutes, the fundraising total shot up and continued to do so as the two Minecraft sensations continued building their virtual worlds. As the night unfolded and in the region of 750,000 fans tuned in, new targets were regularly smashed… £30,000… £50,000… and eventually £75,000!
SOS Africa Founder Matt Crowcombe (AKA Dr Matt – To the Minecraft Community) watched the livestream from start to finish: “I could not believe what I was witnessing! Inspired by the passion of Rendog and Grian, literally thousands of generous followers kept on giving. I was frequently overcome with emotion as I imagined the life-changing impact the funds raised would have upon the lives of many South Africans in desperate need.”
At the end of the livestream, a very emotional Rendog thanked those who generously donated throughout the evening: “We raised 1.7 million Rand tonight. I cannot thank you enough on behalf of my own country and fellow South Africans… South Africa gave me everything… I hope this is something I can give back to the beautiful country that made me the person I am today.”
Discussing the incredible impact of the event, an elated Grian commented: “I am extremely thankful so many people tuned in to our charity Livestream and even more thankful that so many donated to the cause. However, the real heroes of this story are the men and women on the front line providing crucial services such as the food delivery, healthcare, and meal production for those who can’t afford it. I am glad that the money raised will enable these people to continue their work and I am thankful charities such as SOS Africa exist to help people in this way.”
Wasting no time, the SOS Africa staff set to work organising food package distribution and hot meals which will benefit thousands without food during the Coronavirus lockdown period. With the help of the SOS Africa children, they also created a moving Thank You video for Rendog, Grian and all the appeal sponsors.
The Emergency Food Relief Appeal total now stands at a formidable £83,000 and will stay live until the end of the year to enable to SOS Africa staff to continue this support for as long as required.
SOS Africa’s Matt: “We cannot thank Rendog, Grian, their amazing followers, the SOS Africa child sponsors and supporters enough for their generosity since we launched the appeal and look forward to showing them the substantial impact made by their kindness over the coming months.”
Click here to donate to SOS Africa’s Emergency Food Relief Appeal.
