Phoenix Suns shooting guard Devin Booker announced an $100,000 donation to coronavirus relief efforts in and around Phoenix on Thursday as well as the beginning of a charity campaign on his Twitch stream.
Booker, one of the NBA's most prominent gamers, began the campaign in partnership with Phoenix Suns Charities "to support non-profits that best serve the needs of the most vulnerable in the community," including the Arizona Food Bank Network and the Foundation for Senior Living, according to a statement from the Suns. Booker will raise money through contributions to his Twitch channel, and Phoenix Suns Charities matched his initial $100,000 donation to the cause.
"With countless people around the globe turning to streaming to get their mind off things, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to bring people together, raise awareness and help those in need at the same time," Booker said in a statement. "These are trying times that transcend basketball and I would like to call on everyone to be good teammates as we deal with this challenge together."
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The NBA All-Star has a history of giving. In 2019, Booker made a $2.5 million commitment to Phoenix Suns Charities, with $500,000 donated each year for five years. He also has an existing charitable foundation, Booker's Starting Five, which is an initiative in which five local nonprofit organizations will be granted $100,000 each to continue improving the lives of youth and families in need throughout Arizona.
With the NBA on hiatus, Booker has broadcast on Twitch on an almost daily basis, mostly streaming "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare."
The Suns have also led the way in digital engagement through presenting simulated regular-season matchups played on "NBA 2K20" and broadcast on Twitch.
On Wednesday, Suns player Ty Jerome took control of the Suns in the game and defeated Josh Okogie's Minnesota Timberwolves. No word on if Booker will participate in a future game, but sources said that different people will be involved as Phoenix puts together more streams.