Representatives for Child's Play sent word today that the gamer community-supported charity managed to raise $1.7 million through donations in 2009. That eclipsed the previous record by $346,493. The funds are used to provides books, movies, toys and video games for children to play with during their stays at hospitals. Child's Play worked with 70 different hospitals in 2009.
Beyond the generous gaming community, the charity had support from corporate sponsors including Amazon, Microsoft, Harmonix, MTV, Sony Online Entertainment, Wizards of the Coast, PopCap, Ventrilo, Bioware, Ubisoft and RAD Game Tools. Additionally, charitable foundations including the Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund and the Bohemian Foundation provided grants.
“Every year we think we’ve peaked, but each new year we get thousands of new gamers pitching in, coming up with their own events to raise funds,” explains Kristin Lindsay, Foundation Coordinator, Child's Play. “At a time when most charities are struggling to get traditional donors to contribute, we’ve found that gamers are second to none in their willingness to donate their time and money to a worthy cause.”
Child's Play dates back to 2003 and has raised more than $6.7 million since its inception. Even though the holiday season is now over, hospitals obviously need support year-round. Lindsay said the hospital wish lists will remain online at Amazon and the foundation will continue to accept donations through PayPal.
