The gaming community and charities: Thankmas

Jacksepticeye and the Birth of Thankmas 

For nearly a decade, Irish YouTuber Jacksepticeye (born Seán McLoughlin) has used his platform not just for entertainment, but for selflessness; in the form of a holiday-time livestream fundraiser known as Thankmas. First held in 2017, Thankmas began as a simple livestream from Jack’s channel, but over the years it evolved into a large-scale, multi-creator charity broadcast, often partnering with the fundraising platform Tiltify.  

Through Thankmas, Jack has rallied thousands of fans, creators, and celebrities alike to donate to causes ranging from mental-health support to global hunger relief- 

Because of its success, Thankmas has become a landmark event in both the creator and charity-streaming communities. 

Impact and the Power of Collective Giving 

Over the years, Thankmas has raised millions for important causes. By the time of the 2023 fundraiser, the total amount raised had exceeded US $25 million- an astounding figure that attests to the power of online communities coming together for good.  

Here’s a breakdown of some of the causes and amounts raised in past Thankmas events: 

• In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jack used Thankmas to raise funds for global relief efforts and Red Nose Day.  
• In 2021, the event supported New Story- a nonprofit focused on building housing for homeless and impoverished families- raising millions in donations.  
• The 2022 Thankmas livestream directed money toward World Central Kitchen, a global nonprofit addressing hunger and disaster relief. That year’s broadcast reportedly raised over US$10 million.  
• The 2024 edition focused on mental-health support and suicide-prevention, donating to charities such as Crisis Text Line (US) and Samaritans (UK), raising at least US $3.2 million from over 40,000 donations.  

Through Thankmas, Jacksepticeye has demonstrated how a singular creator- using humor, relatability, and community connection- can mobilize a global audience to enact real, tangible change. For many fans, contributing to Thankmas become a symbolic holiday tradition. An opportunity to give back, connect, and feel part of something bigger than themselves. 

It is events like these that put gaming creators in good graces in the eyes of the public. 

Thankmas 2024: A Focus on Mental Health 

Thankmas 2024 marked a notable shift: the event prioritized mental health and crisis support, rather than housing or global hunger causes. By doing so, Jack highlighted a cause that is deeply personal for many- including himself.  

In a public statement, Jack expressed how deeply important mental-health support is to him. He has spoken openly in the past about his own mental-health journey and the value of having access to support and therapy.  

The community responded: fans, fellow creators, and celebrities all came together for the livestream. The funds raised- over US $3.2 million- are directed toward organizations that provide crisis hotlines, counseling support, and outreach for individuals facing anxiety, depression, loneliness, or suicidal thoughts.  

By making mental health the center of Thankmas 2024, Jack’s event underscored an important message: mental wellness matters, and collective action can help support those in crisis. 

Large creators like this putting an emphasis on mental health with younger audiences allows for them to feel more comfortable understanding their own mind. 

Mental health has been a topic for a while and only recently, the last few years of the 2010s and so far into the 2020s, did it truly come into the public that it needs to be looked into. Again, these creators spreading awareness to younger audiences and raising money for aids and charities dedicated to researching or helping individuals is the best way to keep the topic of mental health relevant. 

Why There’s No Thankmas in 2025 

In a November 2025 livestream, Jacksepticeye announced that there would not be a Thankmas in 2025- a decision rooted in both personal well-being and empathy for his audience. Specifically, he cited physical and mental burnout as one key reason.

Creating a livestream as large as Thankmas requires enormous effort- planning, coordinating with multiple hosts and guest stars, prepping content, and managing promotional campaigns. 

Doing that year after year can take a heavy toll. Additionally, Jack pointed out that many in his audience are themselves facing financial hardship or instability- due to inflation, economic pressures, or personal challenges. He expressed concern that asking them to donate might place undue stress on people who are already struggling.  

Finally, the 2025 pause is intended as a chance to restructure and possibly rethink how Thankmas will be held in the future. Jack hopes to rework the format and come back with a refreshed vision in 2026.  

What Thankmas Has Taught Us and What Its Pause Means 

Thankmas is more than just a charity livestream. Over the years, it has shown: 

• The power of creator-driven charity: A single passionate content creator can rally millions globally. 
• The importance of community: Fans and creators donating together can make real-world impacts on hunger, homelessness, and mental health. 
• That giving doesn’t require wealth: Many small donations together can move mountains. 
• That mental health deserves attention: Through Thankmas 2024, Jack spotlighted support for those in crisis- validating struggles that many often keep private. 

The decision to skip Thankmas in 2025 is a reminder that even creators need rest. Burnout is real, and taking a break can be crucial for long-term sustainability and well-being. Jack’s choice reflects a broader shift in the digital-creator world, where mental health and self-care are becoming more prioritized. 

For fans and supporters, this pause doesn’t have to mean an end to giving. As many fans on forums have already noted: some plan to donate individually to charities they care about this year, maybe even inspired by Thankmas’s legacy.  

Leaving such a mark on the community and surrounding spaces is really what the gaming creator field needs- Creators that understand their importance of influence, and the amount of power they have, and using that for good. 

Looking Ahead: The Future of Thankmas and Creator Philanthropy 

As of late 2025, there is no official Thankmas; but the event’s legacy remains strong. For many, the hope is that when it returns, it will be with renewed energy, perhaps a refined format, and the same spirit of community and generosity. 

Meanwhile, Thankmas has inspired other content creators and streamers to launch their own charity efforts, proving that philanthropy doesn’t require massive fame or a huge audience. It requires care, community, and a willingness to try. 

No matter what happens next, Thankmas stands as a powerful example of how digital communities can-and do- make a difference. And even in its pause, it leaves behind a reminder of what’s possible when people come together with compassion and purpose.