COVID-19 is having devastating effects globally so it’s nice to see the gaming community come together in ways to help support relief efforts.
The Xbox team announced today that they are expanding their contribution capabilities for players. Over the past few weeks, players have been able to donate to the CDC Foundation using their Xbox Rewards points. To date, over 100,000 contributions have been made according to Head of Xbox Phil Spencer.
Proud that the Xbox community has made over 100k contributions to @CDCFound through Microsoft Rewards. Great that the team is adding @unfoundation & @GlobalGiving to the program and doubles each donation as well. Love to see players as a force for good https://t.co/sKQgpkqNhl
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) April 22, 2020
Beginning today, Xbox is broadening this further as reported on Xbox Wire. First, two new organizations are able to be contributed to in United Nations Foundation and GlobalGiving.
Which is why we’re pleased to announce that launching today in the U.S., Xbox One owners can now use their Microsoft Rewards points to donate to two new global foundations – the United Nations Foundation and GlobalGiving – in support of COVID-19 relief efforts.
Additionally, Xbox will begin matching 1:1 for all contributions. Every 1,000 points donated will be matched by $1 from Xbox.
Here’s a reminder of how it works: If you are not already a Microsoft Rewards member, sign up for free through the Microsoft Rewards app on your Xbox One or online at microsoftrewards.com and earn points simply by playing games on your Xbox. Then donate your Rewards points to your organization of choice. Hit the donation button on the Xbox One dash, or within the Microsoft Rewards app on your Xbox, to tell Microsoft you want to donate your Rewards points, then Microsoft will match your donation one-to-one. 1,000 Rewards points is equal to $1 donated.
Our Take
Every little bit helps and it’s nice to see the Xbox community doing their part to aid in COVID-19 relief. There are several additional gaming companies contributing as well and we hope we continue to see more from some of the larger organizations.
