Destiny players are used to protecting the citizens of Earth from all manner of alien creatures determined to do us harm, but when a very real disaster struck earlier this year in Nepal, Bungie and the Destiny community rallied together to make a difference.
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake devastated the country back in April. Shortly after, Bungie put together a fundraising campaign for the charity Direct Relief, an organization involved in the ongoing efforts to help the people of Nepal recover and rebuilt after the terrible natural disaster.
For $24.99, Destiny gamers could purchase a limited edition Nepal t-shirt. Each shirt would also unlock an exclusive in-game emblem and shader for their Destiny characters, with the profits going to Direct Relief.
It sounds like the campaign was a resounding success, because Bungie now reports that more than $1 million have been raised for Direct Relief, after a $50,000 contribution from Activision. Thomas Tighe, President and CEO of Direct Relief, thanked the community for their efforts in a statement released on Bungie's website.
"This was an astounding act of generosity on the part of Bungie and the larger Bungie community, and we at Direct Relief are deeply grateful - beyond what can be expressed in words," Tighe says. "Most importantly, the Bungie community's amazing support will translate immediately and directly into help for people in Nepal who experienced a tremendous blow, are in a very difficult and more vulnerable situation now as monsoon season nears, and also have a long, tough road ahead. Every penny will be spent to help strengthen essential health services that were needed before the earthquakes and much more so now."
Bungie, too, is thankful for the community's support.
"The rest of the world is discovering what we've known at Bungie for many years," Bungie's community manager DeeJ writes. "When disaster strikes and aid is needed, Guardians are powerful allies to have on your side. You're our pride and joy, Destiny Community. We're in awe of you every day, and we thank you."
Shirts are being shipped out right now, with the in-game shader and emblem expected to arrive in player mailboxes later this summer.
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