G4H 2006: Video Game Donors and Activists
Posted by Peter Smith on 06-09-28Kay Howell of the Federation of American Scientists led off this panel with Robert Khoo of Child’s Play (Penny Arcade) and Ryan Sharpe of Get Well Gamers. While I was kind of hoping for a battle royal fighting match this talk was one of the more laid back, pat gamers on the back, presentations I have ever seen. First Ryan kicked off running through the foundation of Child’s Play. Starting out with only one hospital and an Amazon.com wish list, this charity has become a favorite among gamers. It services over 20 Hospitals world wide and pulled in over $600,000.00 in video games and consoles for hospitalized children. They are beginning to take on case by case activities to help individuals and are even funding some research with Project Hope. Robert was clear that this charity appeals to gamers by providing them an outlet to help while staying true to their gaming roots.
Ryan’s Get Well Gamers is very similar to Child’s Play in that it also provides games to children in hospitals. The main difference here is that Get Well Gamers collects and refurbishes games and game systems donated by gamers. Ryan explained many of the challenges they face, like gaining credibility as a charity. Cleaning the systems before putting them in hospitals and worrying about the appropriateness of the games donated. He concluded that gamers are good people who are looking for outlets to help others in a way that appeals to their inner gamer. It was amazing how similar these two groups really are.