In the midst of one of the ugliest battles in video gaming history, there has also been some marvelous charity work done. The most notable of these is Extra Life, a 24 hour gaming marathon that raises money for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals to help local sick kids across the United States and Canada.
While Extra Life can happen any time around the world for each participant who registers there, the majority do set up for the National Game Day. Set on October 25th this year, it started at 8 am and ran until 8am on the 26th. Working either alone or as part of a team, Extra Life players play for 24 hours either straight or in sections aiming to raise the money for the kids. Many of them are live streamed over the internet so people can watch and further donate to the cause.
So far this year, Extra Life has raised over $5.4 Million, which will all go to 170 children hospitals across North America. The general request in an Extra Life donation is a $1 per hour from friends and family – or $24 for the excellent cause.
This year was the most successful thus far, as each year has gotten better for Extra Life. In 2013 they were able to raise about $4 million in charitable donations, which was the previous high and the first year it really took off. The program began back in 2008 as a way of honouring Victoria Enmon's battle with cancer.
For those who participate various partners such as Wizards of the Coast, Twitch, and Microsoft have chipped in prizes that they can win based on how much they are able to raise for Extra Life. Many of these are also only available to Extralifers who pay $15 to get platinum membership – more money that can go towards what is ultimately a very good cause.
We at Tech Raptor would like to congratulate all who took part in Extra Life this year and special congratulations to the top Fundraiser Mindcrack Network who played back in September. And thanks to all who donated to help make this world a better place.
If you would like to donate Extra Life is still accepting donations.
