October 31, 2016

Gamers Unite for Saskatchewan Kids in Hospital on Extra Life Game Day

Gamers of all levels are uniting for one cause on Saturday, November 5: to save and improve the lives of sick and injured kids in across the province. Extra Life, a Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) fundraiser, provides game-lovers a fun way to support the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan, which is the sole provincial CMN partner.

Participants sign up for the 24-hour gaming marathon and invite friends, family and fans to make a donation to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan. The official Game Day is Nov. 5, but participants may complete their 24 hours of play whenever and however they like: all in one day, one hour a day for 24 days, etc.

Last year’s event with approximately 150 gamers across Saskatchewan raised nearly $40,000 for children in hospital across the province. Previous donations helped fund a Giraffe Omnibed for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, which is a special incubator and warmer in one compact mobile unit for safely transporting newborn babies within the hospital.

“Extra Life is an innovative and fun way to get involved and help the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan,” says Brynn Boback-Lane, President and CEO of the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan. “We are thrilled with the positive impact made to date through those that enjoy challenge and are making significant contributions at the same time. Game on!”

The virtual marathon is expected to involve 65,000 gamers from all categories – console, mobile, PC, table-top, etc. – across North America this year. The 2015 event raised more than $1 million on game day, contributing to the year’s total of $8.3 million. Since its inception in 2008, Extra Life has raised more than $22 million. The donations fund the selected hospital’s greatest needs, often including pediatric medical equipment, research, therapy programs and charitable care.

Interested participants can register at Extra-Life.org, select the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan, set a fundraising goal and collect donations throughout the year. Players may participate solo or on teams.