PokerStars and CARE International Join Forces To Support Irma Relief Effort

(Photo: Trbimg.com)

The recent wave of terrible natural disasters has brought much pain and suffering to many human lives, but it also has brought the caring and giving side out of many groups, and the poker community is no different. 

A few days ago, Global Poker organized a series of charity tournaments to drive donations to the American Red Cross and help those affected by Irma.

Now, we're  happy to report they're far from alone in this effort, Stars Group corporate giving program "Helping Hands" has partnered with CARE International to provide players with multiple avenues to help by donating money, and they have pledged to match each donation dollar for dollar. 

PokerStars’ Irma Fund will focus on Haiti and Cuba, two of the most vulnerable places affected by Irma, through Helping Hands is currently studying the most effective way to help in the United States. 

They also plan to donate 100% of the revenue from the WCOOP Event 66, the $25K High Roller, to Raising for Effective Giving (REG), as well matching up to $50k of the total bounty. 

(Photo: ABC.net.au)

How Can I Help?

Besides playing on the $25K High Roller, PokerStars has opened plenty of avenues for you to donate and make sure they match your donation dollar for dollar. 

You can play in one of their "dummy tournaments", with buy-ins of  USD$1, USD$2, USD$5, USD$10, USD$20, USD$50, USD$100, USD$200, USD$500, USD$1.000, €1, €10  and €100.  They are currently available in the Tournament Tab on the PokerStars Client

Keep in mind, you won't be able to actually play in these tournaments, it's just a way to quickly donate 100% of the "buy-in" to CARE International. You can donate through as many "dummy tournaments" as you wish. 

Alternatively, you can donate whatever amount you wish by making a direct player transfer. Just open your Cashier and the Transfer To Player option should be there. Then just add the amount you want to donate and send it to the Stars ID ‘Irma Fund’.   

PokerStars also announced the option to "buy" donations with StarsCoin on the Rewards Store, though at the time of writing it doesn't appear to be available just yet. 

If you can’t access the software, you can always donate directly to CARE International, though Stars won’t match your donation.