Mr. Beast, or Jimmy Donaldson, is famous for his charitable work featured on his YouTube channel. He’s taken on diverse projects, such as environmental cleanups, building homes for the homeless, and providing free food for people who are in need. In his video posted on November 5, titled “I Built 100 Wells in Africa”, the YouTuber took on an extensive project, traveling to different African countries to construct water wells for the local communities. 

The recently constructed wells are anticipated to provide clean drinking water to about 500,000 individuals in Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda, Somalia, and Zimbabwe. Furthermore, a fundraising campaign was initiated to aid local water organizations, and Donaldson reported that it had gathered over $300,000. 

In the 10-minute video, Donaldson’s support for Kenyan schools was highlighted, featuring donations of essential supplies like projectors, whiteboards, furniture, and soccer balls. Additionally, he took it a step further by building a bridge across a river, improving safe access between a village, local schools, and a hospital. Despite these praiseworthy efforts, activist Boniface Mwangi pointed out a disparity between Mr. Beast’s initiatives and the actions of the Kenyan government. In his statement, Mwangi expresses a critical view of the government, characterizing the country as “shameful” and “horrible”, and he describes it as a “begging nation governed by millionaires.” 

Moreover, a statement by Saran Kaba Jones, the founder and CEO of FACE Africa, an organization dedicated to improving water infrastructure and sanitation in Sub-Saharan Africa, expresses a mix of appreciation and frustration regarding the attention brought by Jimmy Donaldson to the cause. Jones acknowledges the positive impact of Donaldson’s efforts in bringing attention to the critical issue of clean water supply in Africa. She recognizes the challenges faced by organizations like FACE Africa in terms of securing funding, raising awareness, and advocating for their cause over the years. However, her frustration stems from the sudden surge of attention that Donaldson receives, given his significant platform and influence as a white male figure. She highlights the disparities in recognition and support, suggesting that individuals and organizations working on similar causes may struggle to gain the same level of attention. Jones also emphasizes the importance of sustainability in addressing the water crisis. While acknowledging the immediate impact of installing wells, she raises a critical concern about the long-term functionality of these water sources.

Mr. Beast has garnered widespread recognition and fame primarily due to his philanthropic efforts showcased in his YouTube videos. His philanthropic efforts have left such a significant impact that Time Magazine acknowledged him as one of the most influential individuals in 2023. Despite the positive acclaim for his philanthropy, Mr. Beast has faced criticism from some people. Critics have accused him of potentially exploiting vulnerable individuals for the sake of generating views and revenue on his YouTube channel. However, Donaldson has responded on X, stating that “I’m always going to use my channel to help people and try to inspire my audience to do the same.”

The tale of Mr. Beast’s philanthropic journey unfolds as a bridge of hope, connecting individuals, communities, and the world at large. This is also a call to action for both individuals and governments alike to collaborate in creating lasting solutions. The journey toward lasting change requires not only charitable gestures but also a commitment to addressing systemic issues and fostering sustainable development.