How SpringSims Uses His Creator Platform To Give Back

Creators shape The Sims through their content, community engagement, collaboration with The Sims team, and much more, and many of them also use their platforms to make positive, lasting impacts on the world around them. 

To spotlight some of this outreach, Jaye from The Sims newsroom team sat down with SpringSims to talk about his philanthropic work, how The Sims community has influenced it, and ways they can get involved. To read more about how The Sims team supports our Creators, check out our values page.

[Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.]

Jaye: To start, can you introduce yourself and tell us about what you do?

SpringSims: My name is Stephen, but I go by SpringSims on the internet, like YouTube, Twitch and Instagram - all the fun places. I’ve been playing The Sims for 26 years and making content since 2010. It’s been my bread and butter ever since. 

When the earthquake happened in Haiti back in 2010, I realized I wanted to use my platform to raise awareness so that people there could rebuild. I’ve been working with the Hope for Haiti organization for the past 6 or 7 years now.

Jaye: As you just said, an organization at the forefront of your outreach is Hope for Haiti. Can you give us an overview of the important work they do?

SpringSims: Hope for Haiti is a charitable organization working to improve the quality of life for people in Haiti, particularly women and children who are wanting to learn, try new things, and have hope. For many, it takes 10.5 miles—which is the equivalent of 22,000 steps a day—to access clean water, healthcare, education, the basic things we usually have in our own backyard.

What I find so impactful about Hope for Haiti is that they are always willing to put in the hard work to improve their quality of life, like providing college scholarships.

Jaye: Let’s go through the journey of your work with the organization.

SpringSims: In 2011, I was a freshman in high school, and I saw a video about the earthquake in Haiti. I knew I wanted to help, and I kept that mindset for years. 

During the 2020 lockdown, I found Hope for Haiti online and filled out their contact form. Shortly afterward, Skyler, the CEO, called me.

We talked about my background, my love for playing The Sims, and how I like to do digital fundraising through gaming, also known as gaming for good. It’s probably the best thing in the world. 

In 2020, I put together this campaign with Hope for Haiti, and helped raise over $11,000 in just a couple of weeks. 

I still do fundraising on Twitch and other platforms every April, which is their annual Hike for Haiti event. I’ve raised over $150,000 so far!

Jaye: How has this work impacted you as an individual?

I always say I’m on this Earth to do two things: entertain people and help others. It makes me happy to see the genuine change happening. 

SpringSims: Every $1000 donated to Hope for Haiti gives a student a one-year college scholarship in Haiti, which is incredible. Getting photos and videos from the team in Haiti makes my heart grow even more. 

Jaye: Is there a particular moment from your work with Hope for Haiti that’s stuck with you?

SpringSims: I interviewed someone for my podcast who said that we're “changemakers.” That stuck with me because it's true; we’re changing lives one day at a time.

When you have a true passion for something, it can make others want to do more. People with Haitian heritage or family members there have told me how happy they are to know there’s support around the world for the Haitian community.

Jaye: What do you wish more people knew about Hope for Haiti’s cause?

SpringSims: I’m hoping that more people learn about Hope for Haiti from this article and know they can make a difference. 

If you’re a content creator, you don’t need the biggest platform to make a difference. I’m not the biggest creator myself. It’s impact over numbers!

Also, I’m planning something exciting next April for Hope for Haiti, so if any creators are reading this and want to participate, contact me, and I’ll point you in the right direction!

Jaye: How else do you hope to continue your work with Hope for Haiti moving forward?

SpringSims: I want to collaborate with more creators from different niches, whether they do lifestyle, makeup, or anything else. 

In 2021, my fellow creators and I raised over $90,000 in one month. I really loved that, and I want to see this campaign expand outside of the creator space, too.

Jaye: What are some ways The Sims community and other communities can be involved in supporting your work?

SpringSims: Oh, the best way they can get involved is by talking about it! 

Hope for Haiti also has a program called Buckets of Hope that you can do in your own community. You literally get a bucket, put it somewhere with a sign that says, “Hey, donate to Hope for Haiti,” and a QR code. Every single donation adds up to a huge collective goal.

Jaye: Are there any other causes you would like to work with in the future?

SpringSims: I’ve worked with a lot of charities. I’m continuing my work with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, as I do every year in May.

In the month of February—my birthday month—I also always fundraise for a different charity. I don’t personally like attention, so I put that attention on somebody else who needs it more than I do. 

I haven’t planned out what I want to do for this February yet though. I usually wait until closer to the end of the year and see if anything comes up. Stay tuned!

Jaye: Alright, we’re down to our last question, which is a very important one. What advice would you give to someone who’s inspired to create something for a cause they’re passionate about?

SpringSims: Don’t stress about the amount of money you want to raise. Think about smaller goals, because those definitely add up!

When you’re setting up your own campaign, think about what the organization means to you. Why do you want to get involved in this charity right now?

If you’re able to articulate the why, then everything else falls into place. 

To learn more and get involved, check out SpringSims’ content on Twitch and YouTube.