KSI Charity Donation

In a touching display of generosity, YouTube superstar KSI returned to his former school to donate £25,000, surprise students with gifts, and even hand his old teachers £6,000—a gift the educators promptly redirected to a school fund.

The 28-year-old British entertainer, real name Olajide Olayinka Williams “JJ” Olatunji, walked into a packed assembly hall at Berkhamsted School in Hertfordshire to thunderous cheers from hundreds of pupils. KSI, who rose to fame with his FIFA video game commentary, coordinated the surprise visit to give back to the school that shaped his early years.

A Celebrity’s Surprise Homecoming

School administrators kept KSI’s visit a secret to maximize the surprise. When the internet sensation appeared on stage, the hall erupted. Many young fans knew him from his YouTube channels, his chart-topping music, or as the co-founder of the viral sports drink Prime Hydration.

Dressed casually with his trademark bandana, KSI shared stories from his time as a student, where he met future collaborator Simon “Miniminter” Minter. He confessed to being a class clown more interested in video games than homework and recalled uploading his first videos from his bedroom.

Despite his mischief, KSI spoke fondly of teachers who encouraged his creativity. "I had a teacher here who told me I’d never make a living out of playing video games," he told the assembly. "I’m glad I proved them wrong – but I’m even more glad to be back to say thank you."

£31,000 Donated to Support Students

The highlight of the visit was the unveiling of a giant cheque for £25,000. The donation is expected to go towards upgrading the school’s technology lab and funding creative arts programs.

“KSI visited & donated £25,000, giving presents and autographs to the children, and £6,000 to his ex-teachers, who returned it to the school,” reported one onlooker on social media. “They paid close attention to when he said free Prime lmao.”

In a heartwarming turn, KSI also gifted a total of £6,000 to six of his former teachers. The teachers graciously declined to keep the money for themselves and collectively decided to add it to the school fund, bringing the total donation to £31,000.

“It speaks volumes about the character of our staff,” said the school’s headteacher in a statement. “We are incredibly proud of JJ’s success and grateful for his generosity.”

Presents, Autographs, and Prime for Everyone

After the formalities, KSI personally handed out wrapped presents, signed autographs, and made an announcement that sent the students into a frenzy.

"I brought free Prime for everyone!" he declared.

The mention of Prime Hydration, the drink he co-founded with former boxing rival Logan Paul, triggered pandemonium. The beverage has become a sensation among schoolchildren, leading to supermarkets facing long queues and empty shelves. For the students, receiving a free bottle from its creator was an unforgettable treat.

"I still can’t believe I got to meet KSI in person," said one 12-year-old student. "This is the best day ever."

From Class Clown to Role Model

KSI’s visit was a full-circle moment for the self-made star. He has built a digital empire with over 40 million combined subscribers, a successful music career, and co-founded a multi-million dollar company.

During the visit, he urged students to pursue education while embracing their passions. "When I was sitting where you are, I never imagined I’d be back here like this," he told them. "Find what you love, work hard at it – you never know where it might take you."

News of the visit spread quickly online, with the hashtag #KSIGivesBack trending on Twitter. On Instagram, KSI shared highlights from the day, writing, “Never forget where you came from.” His business partner Logan Paul commented, “Proud of you bro 🙏🏽❤️,” while friend and fellow alumnus Simon Minter wrote, “Legends never forget their school! 👏”.

A Track Record of Charity and Community Involvement

This donation is part of KSI’s long history of charitable work. As a co-founder of the YouTube group The Sidemen, he has helped raise millions for various causes.

The annual Sidemen Charity Football Match is a flagship event. The most recent match in September 2023 sold out London Stadium and raised over £2.4 million for charities including Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) and Teenage Cancer Trust.

Individually, KSI has also supported fundraising campaigns for cancer research and donated to organizations focused on combatting racism and supporting mental health. His actions reflect the values behind his name—Knowledge, Strength, and Integrity.

FAQs about KSI’s Charity Donation

Who is KSI? KSI, born Olajide “JJ” Olatunji in 1993, is a British YouTuber, rapper, and professional boxer. He first gained fame for his video game commentary (particularly FIFA) and comedy videos on YouTube. Since then, he has expanded into music — releasing two #1 albums in the UK — and boxing, notably facing off against American YouTuber Logan Paul. KSI is also a co-founder of the popular Prime Hydration drink and a member of the YouTube group The Sidemen.

What is the story behind KSI’s £25,000 charity donation? In a surprise visit to his former school, KSI donated £25,000 to support students and programs. He also offered £6,000 of his own money as personal gifts to six of his former teachers. In a heartwarming gesture, those teachers returned the money, asking for it to be used for the school’s benefit instead, bringing the total donation to £31,000.

How did the students react to KSI’s visit? The students were thrilled. The hall erupted in cheers when KSI appeared. They listened intently to his story and were especially excited when he announced a giveaway of free Prime Hydration drinks. Students eagerly lined up for autographs, gifts, and photos with the star.

What is Prime Hydration and why were the kids so excited about it? Prime Hydration is a popular sports drink co-founded by KSI and Logan Paul. Due to savvy marketing and the founders' huge online followings, the drink became a viral sensation, often selling out in minutes and being resold at high prices. The students' excitement stemmed from the drink's hype and the chance to get it for free from one of its creators.

Has KSI been involved in other charity work? Yes, KSI has a significant history of philanthropy. As a member of The Sidemen, he participates in their annual Charity Football Match, which has raised millions of pounds for various causes like Teenage Cancer Trust and CALM. The 2023 match alone raised over £2.4 million. He has also personally supported mental health awareness, participated in Stand Up To Cancer fundraisers, and donated to other charitable drives.