ERIN – James Donaldson, better known online as MrBeast, has made a sizeable donation to the Upper Credit Humane Society (UCHS).
Near the end of October, boxes filled with new clothes such as sweatshirts, men’s briefs, boots and more arrived at the UCHS thrift store located in Georgetown.
The thrift store is the society’s largest source of revenue, covering approximately 35 per cent of the shelter’s annual operating expenses.
“It basically ends up transferring into a cash donation because everything they sell through the thrift store supports the shelter,” UCHS board chair Susan Thomsen told the Advertiser.
When the boxes were dropped off, staff had no clue the gesture was from Donaldson, a famous 26-year-old American YouTuber, internet personality and businessman.
He holds the title for the most YouTube subscribers, with over 330 million, on a channel that features videos of elaborate challenges and lucrative giveaways.
The clothing wasn’t dropped off to UCHS by MrBeast himself, but by Toronto-based filming company Greenlight Productions, stated Thomsen.
At the time of the donation, the company and Donaldson were filming in Toronto for one of his shows, she added.
Afterwards the thrift store received an email from Greenlight requesting a “thank-you” letter.
That is when Thomsen and UCHS staff realized the identity of the mystery donor.
“It would be fun to know how they ended up choosing Upper Credit,” she said.
As the society is actively fundraising for a new shelter, Thomsen decided to send one more email to Greenlight in hopes of a miracle.
Donaldson has a separate organization, Beast Philanthropy, dedicated to using social media to raise funds and help charitable causes around the world.
Thomsen’s email noted UCHS efforts to raise more funds “just in case they are interested.”
“I’m not overly optimistic it’ll go anything beyond that,” she noted.
Thomsen has yet to receive a response, other than an automated email explaining Beast Philanthropy receives an abundance of requests.
Those interested in helping the humane society can visit uppercredit.com, which features fundraising opportunities for the holiday season.
