2024 is drawing into its final act, which means it’s once again time for Thankmas. The event — which involves gamers, celebrities and content creators raising money for charitable partners — is this year partnering with Crisis Text Line and Samaritans, crisis hotlines based in the U.S. and U.K., respectively, that offer aid for those struggling with mental health. 2024’s event will be held live at the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles on December 6, with tickets going live today.
Created by YouTuber Sean “Jacksepticeye” McLoughlin in 2017, Thankmas has partnered with charities such as Red Nose Day, World Central Kitchen, New Story and Charity: Water. Across the years, the event has raised over $25 million in total, and raised $6 million for World Central Kitchen last year. $6 million is also its goal for this year’s event. As before, the event is hosted by the fundraising platform Tiltify, who added that the roster of creators participating in the live event would be announced soon.
Speaking with GamesBeat, McLoughlin said, “In 2023, Samaritans and Crisis Text Line volunteers spent more than 1.4 million hours answering calls and texts for help. I talk very openly about my own mental health, including struggles with depression, and how prioritizing mental wellness is important. I’ve been going to therapy and I’m in a better headspace, but access to help and support was such a key part of
my own journey. The work Samaritans and Crisis Text Line do is so important. So I’m glad to be able to work with them for Thankmas this year.”
The importance of crisis hotlines
McLoughlin added, “The $6 million goal for this year will help train 9000 new volunteers across Samaritans and Crisis Text Lines to support incoming calls & texts for people in crisis. The funds will also be used to invest in hardware and software to help expand and enhance the digital reach of these programs since reaching people by online chat/text is paramount. Finally, the funds will help support awareness programs across multiple countries and in schools.”
Dena Trujillo, CEO of Crisis Text Line, and Julie Bentley, CEO of Samaritans, both expressed their appreciation for Thankmas. Trujillo said of the partnership, “Supporting mental health isn’t just an act of kindness—it’s a powerful way to change and save lives. Every donation provides critical mental health support and resources for those who are struggling. Thank you, Sean, for your unwavering commitment to making a difference in people’s lives.”
Bentley added, “To be chosen as one of only two charities worldwide that will benefit from Thankmas 2024 is incredibly humbling. Our 23,000 wonderful volunteers help people they’ll never meet
through their darkest times, answering a call for help to our listening service every ten seconds. It is
fitting that they, in turn, will be supported by the kindness of strangers from all over the world.”
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