Gaming for Good: A Unique Fundraiser for Refugee Rescues
By day, Bree Mimms is an online community manager for a professional network, but when work ends she becomes Brizzle McFizzle, a gamer with thousands of followers on the live-streaming websites Twitch and MobCrush. While most streamers accept donations to help fund new gaming equipment, Bree is doing it for the North Korean people and she has already raised over $1200. Curious to know more? Read on.
How did you learn about this issue?
Like most people I know, I had literally no concept of how oppressive the North Korean government is. A few years ago, “Crossing the Line” was a recommended title on Netflix, so I watched it on a whim. I remember feeling extraordinarily unsettled after viewing it – but it quickly slipped from my mind. A few months later, I randomly stumbled upon the Vice Travel Guide to North Korea on the internet and was horrifically intrigued, so I dug deeper and deeper and deeper. I watched every documentary I could find, read every article I could find, and listened to audio book after audio book.
My heart was quite literally broken by the truths I uncovered. It was like North Korean leaders used Hitler, Stalin, and Orwellian dystopias for inspiration. How could anyone live in a world like that? I couldn’t stop thinking about my life here, who I am and the values that I have—would I be the same person if I was born there instead? Would I have become someone I despised, bowing down to the “great” leaders and ratting out my fellow countrymen, or would I be someone who’d refuse sentencing myself and my family to a prison camp? I felt weak. The decisions in my life have been, and are, infinitely trivial by comparison.
One of the saddest things I learned though, was the lack of awareness and empathy to the situation most people have. When I learned about this stuff, it resonated deep inside—so deep that I couldn’t physically ignore it. I was shocked that when I’d talk to my family and friends didn’t react the same way. Instead, most had one of these reactions:
1. “That isn’t really happening, do you have any proof? It isn’t really that bad.”
2. “That’s sad, but why would you think about that? Think about happy things instead.”
WHAT?!? Are you serious?!? People are suffering and no one seemed to care. Any suffering to me breaks my heart. This cause is special because there seems to be this supernatural haze of apathy about this particular issue that’s preventing people from caring. I just couldn’t, and can’t, live with that. I’ll talk to anyone who will listen about this issue until I’m blue in the face.
How long have you been playing your game of choice, VainGlory?
This is a much less complicated question. I’ve been playing VainGlory since November of 2014.
How does the game work? What draws you to play it?
The game is a mobile MOBA. I know, that sounds like an oxymoron but the controls, abilities, map, and heroes are amazing. The game isn’t like most of the other apps you’ll see in the mobile market – it’s technically amazing, visually beautiful, and playable without needing to spend any cash. The community is great, the developers are awesome, and I’ve made so many friends playing this game. It seems odd, but trust me, out of all the games I’ve ever played (console, pc, or portable) this is my favorite. Hands down.
For people who are familiar with the traditional pc MOBAs, VainGlory is a little different. There’s one lane, 3 abilities per hero, a jungle, and it’s a 3v3 map. For people not familiar with MOBAs, it’s a lot like capture the flag – but instead of capturing a flag, your team wins by destroying your enemy’s base.
How did you get into streaming?
It just kind of happened, honestly. I never really even watched Twitch before I played VainGlory, but the community just sucked me in. I really enjoyed watching VG streamers, and joked with my friends about streaming – then I just did it. I was hooked from that first day. It’s so much fun and I’ve met so many awesome people as a result.
How long have you been streaming?
I started streaming on Twitch in April of 2015, and I became partnered with Mobcrush in July 2015. I was never into live streaming sites until I started playing VainGlory. I didn’t think anyone would watch me, but for some weird reason they do! I try to be positive and interactive so that might be why, or maybe it’s just the hotdog costume. Let’s face it, it’s probably just the hotdog costume.
Have you been surprised by the response to your fundraiser?
YES! Oh man, more like overwhelmed (in a good way) by the response. I mean, I told you in the first question the responses that I normally get when I talk to people about this stuff. I had thrown around the idea of doing a rescue campaign for LiNK and people were like “why not choose a different charity, no one cares about North Korea.” But, I decided to give it try because at the very least – even if I didn’t raise money – I could try to get people thinking.
I had the best experience the other day streaming for this cause. The night started out really rough – viewers were leaving as soon as I started talking about it. My goal for the night was $150 and I was struggling. But then, something happened. My streamer friends hosted (promoted) my channel, sending me their viewers, and VG promoted me within the game. I suddenly had an audience of 100-200 people. I got a huge donation and suddenly met my goal. People were asking questions and were really engaged with the issue. They even ASKED ME to watch the video featured on the donation page. Then, right as I was about to end the broadcast, magic happened. I refreshed the donation page and started balling uncontrollably…I went from $600 some odd dollars to over $800. Refreshed again, I was over 900. Refreshed again, I was over 1000. In one night, we raised over 600 dollars. I couldn’t handle it – the generosity and people’s willingness to listen.
Almost better than the money, was the reaction from my viewers who couldn’t donate (for very valid reasons). They’d apologize in chat and I’d tell them, look, if you can’t donate that’s okay – but just donate some time to learn about this. If you can, donate the time to help raise awareness and get the word out. A few of my viewers thanked me, and asked for the video on the donation page because they wanted to share it with their communities. That right there felt like raising a million bucks. Like even if I don’t reach my goal, that one night made it all feel worth it and has inspired me to keep moving full force!
Why should people donate to your campaign?
We are blessed to be where we are. I have done nothing to deserve being born in one of the richest countries in the world. Because of that fact, I feel that I have a responsibility to help other people. It’s the only way to level the playing field. You don’t have to donate to MY campaign—you can pick any campaign you want (though, selfishly, I would like to meet my goal, haha). This isn’t about me—it’s about recognizing the value of human life and helping other people on their journey to freedom. If that resonates with you, and you feel compelled to give, you should. If you can’t give, all I ask is that you listen and not turn a blind eye.
Have a creative idea for a fundraiser? Start your own rescue campaign!
