The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is asking gamers, esports fans and anybody with powerful graphics cards in their computers to help in mining Ethereum cryptocurrency for the agency's relief efforts for Syria.
The UNICEF's new project is referred to as "Game Chaingers." Gamers are encouraged to donate their graphics processing unit's (GPU) power to mine the Ethereum cryptocurrency for the benefit of the millions of people in dire need of help in Syria. According to the UNICEF, the agency chose to ask help from the esport community because gamers are supportive, activists and have the largest number of graphics cards.
To participate in the operation, gamers have to install the Claymore mining software that will be preconfigured by the site prior to downloading. Gamers have to install the "client" and enter one's chosen nickname to start. Gamers also have the choice to start and stop mining cryptocurrency whenever they want and the generated Ethereum will go directly to the e-wallet of UNICEF. The information regarding the total number of miners, active miners as well as leaderboards can be tracked on a statistics page.
The UNICEF also made it clear to Engadget that mining cryptocurrency will not consume extra electricity. According to the organization, gamers will still be consuming the same level of energy as they would from playing a new and resource-hungry video game. The UNICEF clarified that the reason why the agency is only asking for a part of their GPU's power is that intensive use over a long period of time can damage one's hardware. As for the volatility of Ethereum, the UNICEF admitted that it is a volatile currency. Moreover, the agency pointed out that mining Ethereum is a means of donation for those who do not have the money to do so.
UNICEF's "Game Chaingers" project is set to run until March 31. Gamers who are interested to participate can view the project's page for more details.
