Child’s Play boasts record year with $7.6m in donations

Gaming children’s charity Child’s Play has revealed its final fundraising figure for 2013 was a whopping $7.6 million.

Child’s Play, founded in 2003 by Penny Arcade creators Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins, uses these funds to get toys and games to kids in hospitals.

A December 28th update from the charity’s annual fundraiser announced a new record of $5.7 million in donations. That means nearly $2 million was donated in just three days.

The previous year just over $5 million was donated.

“Ten years ago, we wouldn’t have believed it possible,” read a blog entry on the Child’s Play website.

“That’s more than the cumulative total for the first six years of Child’s Play, raised in the last 12 months.”

This year the charity expanded beyond hospitals to reach children in domestic violence shelters as well, donating “game carts” complete with television, game console, and age appropriate games.

“Not only have you been able to support our growing network of hospitals, but we’re also been able to expand our initiatives and benefit children in domestic violence shelters,” the post continued.

“In 2014 that program will move past the pilot program to encompass facilities across the country and provide them with vital resources to support the kids they see every day.”

In just ten years since launch, Child’s Play has raised over $25 million, and the organizers say that’s not just because of fat sponsors.

“The bulk of our donations don’t come in the form of huge grants: the millions are made up of the $10, $20, $50 donations,” the post concluded.

“They come from game marathons, golf tournaments, eBay auctions, and bake sales. They come from the incredible community that makes the tag line ‘Gamers give back’ an understatement.

“The community coming together for 10 years has now resulted in $25,196,670. We are humbled, proud, and overwhelmed with gratitude. Thank you for making 2013 our best year yet.”