The Children’s Miracle Network is a non-profit organization that raises funds for more than 170 children’s hospitals.
Countless individuals, organizations, and media partners unite with the Children’s Miracle Network hospitals to help sick and injured kids in local communities. Donations to Children’s Miracle Network create miracles by funding medical care, research, and education that saves the lives of 17 million children each year.
ExtraLife raises money and awareness for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals by playing video games for 24 hours. This event is unique because it utilizes gamers, a group of people who are often seen negatively by the media, but now for a positive end.
In total, since 2008, ExtraLife has contributed over $440,000 to hospitals all over North America via the Children’s Miracle Network.
ValleyLinks Youth are pleased to be running the second annual ExtraLife fundraising event this Saturday in the Comox Valley. ValleyLinks Youth raised $2,000 last year for the BC Children’s Hospital, and they hope to exceed that for this year.
Bev Campbell, executive director of ValleyLinks, was thrilled last year when two youth interns approached her regarding bringing this event to the Comox Valley and involving local gamers in this fundraising activity. Campbell believes the event provides a wonderful opportunity to bring awareness and not just to the cause but to the people involved.
She remarked last year that, “Through the CAP Youth Intern Program, I have had the opportunity to work with, mentor and learn from some amazing youth who also have a passion for gaming.”
Each year the community graciously provides various support for the ValleyLinks team to make it through the daunting 24-hour gaming session.
This year, the team is sponsored by Plates Eatery & Catering for providing lunch, Thrifty Foods and Grains Bakery for providing snacks, Boston Pizza for providing dinner, and ABC Printing for providing printed material. Games and Grounds will provide the venue.
ExtraLife takes place on the third Saturday of every October. The ValleyLinks ExtraLife Team will begin Saturday at 9 a.m. at Games and Grounds at 4-239 Puntledge Rd. in Courtenay.
— ValleyLinks Youth