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Bungie just announced that they are suspending all Destiny 2 sales and commerce in Russia and Belarus for their roles in the invasion of Ukraine. Bungie says that they are suspending all sales and commerce in those regions, but those that already purchased Destiny 2 content will still be able to keep playing what they bought previously.
More importantly, Bungie says that they are donating 100% of the proceeds made in the first 48 hours of their Game2Give charity drive towards helping Ukraine. This is being done through Bungie's charity foundation, also known as the Bungie Foundation. After all was said and done, the organization raised $120,000 (USD).
That money will be going towards Direct Relief and International Rescue Committee. Details on those two organizations are seen below.
- Direct Relief: Our most trusted and longest-standing humanitarian aid partner, Direct Relief is mobilizing a massive humanitarian response for Ukraine’s most vulnerable communities. With an immediate focus on treating injuries and other trauma caused by violence, they are working with the Ukrainian Ministry of Health to compile emergency response packs containing IV fluids and antibiotics, tourniquets, oxygen, and more. However, they are also already preparing for the near future, when wide-scale displacement will lead to a host of chronic health problems. They’re preparing items such as cold chain medications, maternal health supplies, and medicines to care for a wide array of infectious diseases.
- International Rescue Committee: As two million people and counting have fled Ukraine to seek safety in neighboring countries, the IRC is working to scale up support of their governments and civil societies in order to provide for the basic needs of these refugees. They are also calling out continued breaches of International Humanitarian Law and discriminatory treatment of individuals displaced by the war, calling on the leaders of Russia to adhere to this law, especially in protection of civilians and vulnerable groups such as women and girls.
Bungie also says that they will be giving all Destiny 2 players a special "Cоняшник" emblem. This emblem, which seems to translate to "Sunflower" will allow for all players to show their support for the people of Ukraine. This emblem will be free and will become available starting on Thursday, March 10 through a code shared in the upcoming This Week at Bungie weekly update blog.
For “Cоняшник,” we humbly tried to exemplify the hope and courage that has been so emblematic of the Ukrainian people during this impossible time. Alongside Ukraine’s coat of arms, impressionistic sunflowers, Ukraine’s national flower, populate the peaceful countryside – a metaphor for hope and our way of expressing solidarity.
