YouTube stars MrBeast and Mark Rober have leant their YouTube star power to drive more than $30 million in donations in less than two weeks through their new global fundraising campaign, #TeamWater.
The initiative, created in partnership with WaterAid, aims to raise $40 million by 31 August to deliver clean water to two million people. More than $5 million was raised in the first 24 hours, making #TeamWater one of the fastest-growing creator-led campaigns on record.
Australia has emerged as a top-five donor country, with local creators and public figures including Andy Cooks, LazarBeam, Lachlan Power, Fonzie Gomez, Tully Smyth, Frankie Evans, Lisa Desanctis, Fatima Homran and Danish Umar, rallying audiences to donate.
#TeamWater is powered by creators from 84 countries, collectively reaching more than two billion subscribers.
Tom Muller, WaterAid Australia’s Chief Executive, said the support from Australians has been vital.
“Australians understand the value and importance of water. Seeing creators and everyday Australians get behind #TeamWater is incredible.
“Their support is crucial in our mission to deliver sustainable, clean water solutions that will change lives for generations.”
Frankie Evans, Model and #TeamWater supporter, said: “It’s an honour to be a part of the incredible #TeamWater. Helping the vulnerable regions of the world has always been important to me, so I’m grateful to be a part of this. Everyone should have access to clean drinking water and sanitation.
“I’m proud to have joined forces with WaterAid Australia to help bring clean, safe water to communities in need.
“Being part of this global initiative has been incredibly rewarding, knowing that every contribution helps change lives. Together, we’re proving that social media and community power can make a real, lasting difference in the world.”
#TeamWater marks the third large-scale environmental campaign led by Donaldson and Rober, following the success of #TeamTrees and #TeamSeas, which together raised over $50 million to plant 20 million trees and remove 30 million pounds of trash from oceans, rivers, and beaches worldwide.
The campaign combines creator influence with WaterAid’s four decades of experience in providing sustainable, long-term clean water solutions.
Top image: MrBeast and Mark Rober