Avid gamers are getting out their controllers, putting in their favourite games, while trying to raise funds for the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton.
The group ‘Buffalo Mushrooms’ is hosting their third annual Gaming Marathon – stemming from ‘Extra Life’, a movement in the United States that hosts these types of events for kids.
The plan is to play different games for 24-hours straight.
Co-Organizer Neal Barry tells Mix News spending a sleepless night doesn’t come close to the work the Stollery Hospital does for so many kids.
“I actually have several friends that have had really great experiences at the Stollery, especially when they’re going through a hard time, so it seemed like a very worthwhile charity to support.”
In 2018, the hospital had over 1,200 patient visits from children in Fort McMurray.
The local marathon was able to raise around $3,500 last year.
Barry says they’ve learned that around the 20-hour mark is when things can get a little exhausting. However, finding the motivation to keep going is quite easy.
“If you think of the fact that you can do something you enjoy to try and help people out that are having a hard time, then it’s a pretty easy thing to get behind.”
The goal for this year is $5,000. The ‘Buffalo Mushrooms’ have already been able to raise around $1,000.
The Gaming Marathon takes place at Avenue Coffee on Saturday, November 2, getting underway at 6 a.m.
The public is welcomed to come in, donate, and play some games.
“We’ll have PlayStation classics set up, we’ll have a Super Nintendo set up, we’ll have PlayStation 4’s set up, XBOX One’s set up, we’ll have a guy who’s going to be streaming all day on a PC, we’re going to have Super Smash Bros tournaments, we’re going to have 80 different types of board games – we have so many different varieties.”
Multiple raffles and different activities are also being set up during the event to help get more funds.