On Twitch, the well-known and sometimes controversial streamer Hasan “Hasanabi” Piker is diligently raising funds for a good cause. He is not deterred by trolls. Many other streamers have followed his appeal for donations to support the victims of the earthquake disaster in Turkey and Syria.
In the early hours of February 6, a powerful earthquake shook southeastern Turkey and parts of Syria. The earthquake, which reached a magnitude of 7.8 on the Richter scale, was followed by several aftershocks, the strongest of which registered a value of 7.5 (via DW). It is the most devastating earthquake in the region since the severe earthquake in 1999.
Current estimates (as of 08.01) indicate that more than 11,000 people have lost their lives in both countries, with at least 49,000 injured, and the number of missing and buried individuals remains unknown. Many aid missions are currently underway, and there is a great deal of support from around the world.
People on Twitch also want to help. Streamer Hasanabi, who is known for his political commentary and is unafraid of controversy, is particularly affected by the situation. He has Turkish roots, and part of his family is from the affected region.
How did the streamer respond? Hasanabi usually broadcasts in the “Just Chatting” category, commenting on current news or major political events like the US elections. He responded to a donation appeal from a streamer in Turkey and quickly initiated a relief effort. So far, over 856,000 euros ($920,929) have been raised during several streams (as of 08.01).
Twitch streams are often controversial, but sometimes there are completely different moments on the platform:
Trolls sabotage the donation campaign, but the willingness to help prevails
The relief effort is very dear to Hasanabi’s heart, as he wrote on Twitter, he has already experienced the impact of such a disaster firsthand. During the severe earthquake in 1999, he was living with his family in Istanbul and witnessed the extent of the destruction.
Although some trolls are trying to undermine the streamer’s donation campaign, he remains steadfast. It’s not about him, but about the people who are suffering from the natural disaster. “Every dollar counts,” he said in one of his streams, and this message resonates.
In his streams, a counter displays the total amount donated. The sum increases by the second, as many Twitch viewers show their extraordinary willingness to help.
More about Twitch on MeinMMO:
Hasanabi leads by example – The streamer often attracts attention with controversies, such as when he bought a expensive sports car. However, now HasanAbi is encouraging his friends and colleagues to donate for a good cause as well.
He shared his platform with scientists from Turkey, who explained to his audience the earthquake and its consequences. Additionally, Hasanabi donated $25,000 to directly help the victims of the disaster.
This is making an impact, as many other streamers and internet personalities have also donated for the good cause. Among the largest donations are numerous well-known figures:
- Seán “Jacksepticeye” McLaughlin donated $10,000
- Rachell “Valkyrae” Hoffstetter donated $10,000
- Ludwig “Ludwig” Aghren donated $5,000
- CohhCarnage donated $5,000
- Darren “IShowSpeed” Watkins Jr. donated $2,000
Even one of Twitch’s bad boys, the streamer Tyler “Trainwreck” Nikman, known for his gambling streams, pledged to donate $150,000 to a reputable charity if they accept cryptocurrency.
Twitch as a platform and the creators who use it are often criticized. However, initiatives like Hasanabi’s and those of all the other streamers demonstrate the enormous potential of the platform to do something good.
