Health charities among first to join global gaming for good event

The Stroke Association and Epilepsy Society have signed up for the World Gaming Day event taking place in the autumn.

The two health charities’ involvement has been announced by organisers online fundraising platform GivePenny and Leukaemia Care.

Last month they issued a plea for charities to take part in the event, which takes place on 22 October, and have reiterated the call for more partners to take part.

It aims to involve hundreds of charities and raise more than £1m for good causes.

“We are extremely excited to join GivePenny for World Gaming Day - venturing into new fundraising territory and reaching out to new supporters,” said Stroke Association product manager Emily Higgins.

Organisers say the event is aimed to fit in with charities’ existing gaming for good campaigning.

Leukaemia Care communications and fundraising director Nicole Scully added: “The sector always works better when it collaborates, and this is a fantastic opportunity to bring the charity world together while encouraging our supporters to raise pounds while playing. I'm proud that Leukaemia Care has been able to develop this idea with GivePenny and then open it up to our colleagues in the third sector.”

This is the latest initiative in the growth of gaming for good initiatives, which often involve gamers taking part in sponsored streaming fundraisers via Twitch and Youtube.

Among other charities involved in gaming for good initiatives are animal charity Blue Cross, which attracts donations through its Paws2Play scheme. For 2022 this includes a Festive Quest event inviting gamers to play or stream games for 24 hours during December.

Another is Jingle Jam, which is promoted as the largest gaming for good charity event in the world. Its 2022 event is focused on charities supporting health, equality, diversity, inclusion and conservation.