Child’s Play: Improving Lives Through Gaming
Gaming has the power to heal, and no one understands this better than the charitable organization Child’s Play. Founded in 2003 by Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins, the creators of Penny Arcade, Child’s Play aims to provide children and teens suffering from serious illnesses with access to gaming as a means of escape and entertainment.
One of the organization’s first successful campaigns involved crowdfunding to provide Seattle Children’s Hospital with gaming equipment. Within a month, they raised over $250,000, proving the widespread support for their cause. Since then, Child’s Play has expanded its reach to support over 190 hospitals worldwide, providing more than just games and technology.
In 2015, the organization introduced a therapeutic videogame guide, a 16-page document that recommends games to help alleviate various symptoms affecting children in hospitals. These games assist in distracting players from physical pain, relieving anxiety and hyperactivity, improving mood, and providing comfort for medicated or cognitively inhibited patients.
Child’s Play has also pioneered the field of Pediatric Gaming and Technology Specialists. By combining the unique power of video games with expert guidance, these specialists have significantly improved the pediatric patient experience. With 47 funded positions in children’s hospitals globally, their impact reaches as far as Kenya and Australia.
Over the years, Child’s Play has raised an astounding $59 million to enhance the lives of children and teens worldwide. Testimonials on their website share heartwarming stories of the joy and friendship gaming has brought to patients. One volunteer at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minneapolis recounts the non-verbal connection he formed with a child through gaming, describing it as the high point of his summer.
Child’s Play continues to make a difference through collaborations with prominent gaming organizations. Their partnership with IGN for the IGN Live event in Los Angeles allowed patients in hospitals to experience the event through interactive robots. Additionally, Humble Bundle has released a special game package, with proceeds going to Child’s Play. The bundle features exciting titles such as High on Life, Atari 50, Revival: Recolonization, MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, Soulslinger: Envoy of Death, Bread & Fred, and Grindstone.
By supporting Child’s Play through the Humble Bundle or making a direct donation, you can contribute to their remarkable work of bringing joy, distraction, and therapeutic benefits to children and teens in need. Let’s harness the healing power of gaming and make a positive impact on young lives.
Additional facts:
– Child’s Play is a registered charity in the United States and Canada, making it easier for donors to contribute to their cause.
– The organization accepts both monetary donations and donations of video game consoles, games, and other gaming equipment.
– Child’s Play also provides funding for the construction and renovation of playrooms and activity spaces in hospitals, creating environments that are conducive to gaming and socializing.
– In addition to hospitals, Child’s Play also supports domestic violence shelters and therapeutic facilities that cater to children and teens.
Most important questions and answers:
1. How does gaming benefit children and teens with serious illnesses?
Gaming provides an escape and entertainment for children and teens facing serious illnesses. It helps alleviate physical pain, distract from anxiety and hyperactivity, improve mood, and create a sense of normalcy.
2. How does Child’s Play raise funds?
Child’s Play relies on donations from individuals, corporations, and partnerships with gaming organizations. They also organize fundraising events and campaigns such as the Humble Bundle.
3. Where does Child’s Play operate?
Child’s Play supports over 190 hospitals worldwide and has funded positions in children’s hospitals globally. Their impact extends to countries like Kenya and Australia.
Key challenges or controversies:
One potential challenge for Child’s Play is ensuring equal access to gaming resources and technology for all hospitals and patients. Some hospitals may have limited resources or may not prioritize gaming as a therapeutic tool. Balancing the distribution of funding and resources across different locations could be a challenge.
Advantages:
– Gaming provides a form of entertainment and distraction for patients facing serious illnesses, improving their quality of life.
– Child’s Play helps create environments in hospitals that are tailored to gaming, fostering socialization and interaction among patients.
– Collaboration with prominent gaming organizations increases awareness and support for Child’s Play’s mission.
Disadvantages:
– Some individuals may argue that the focus on gaming as a form of therapy ignores other important aspects of healthcare.
– Allocating funding and resources for gaming programs may divert resources from other areas or services within hospitals.
Suggested related links:
– Child’s Play Charity
– IGN
– Humble Bundle
The source of the article is from the blog be3.sk