Online gamers raise nearly P2M for Japan quake victims

Online gamers have raised $44,607.50 (P1.933 million) for the victims of the Japan earthquake and tsunami on March 11. The EVE Online Community said the amount was raised through its "PLEX for Good" charity program during the last two weeks of March, ending on March 31. "The drive, which ended on March 31, 2011, was extremely successful, and we are pleased to report that $44,607.50 was raised by players during the two-week period," it said in a blog entry (http://www.eveonline.com/devblog.asp?a=blog&bid=893). It said the donations included 2,497 PLEX (Pilot License Extension, or game time) through 665 contracts; and 18 ISKs (digital currency) donations. EVE said 2,549 PLEXs were collected, and 100 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross in the name of the "EVE Online Community." "The efforts of these players and countless others continue to demonstrate the passion, care and concern the EVE Online community has for those in desperate need," EVE said. PLEX for Good is an ongoing charitable program initiated by the players of EVE Online. EVE said past drives have assisted the victims of the Haiti earthquake and excessive flooding in Pakistan. "To date, EVE Online players have donated over $108,000 USD (over 6100 PLEX) to those in need via this program, with almost $155,000 USD being donated by EVE Online players to charity since 2004," it said. – VVP, GMA News