Be a Hero ~ Play Games & Raise Money for Sick Kids, #ExtraLife2013

Have you heard of Extra Life? It's a Game-A-Thon, a sort of gaming charity event that helps out local hospitals near you.  This year it takes place on November 2nd.

On an Autumn Saturday each year since 2008, tens of thousands of gamers have joined together to save the lives of local kids in a celebration of gaming culture that we call Extra Life.  From console games to tabletop RPG's to even lawn sports, Extra Life gives people that love to play a chance to do what they love to save lives and make a difference.

You can choose any of the Children's Miracle Network Hospital's near you.  Deanna told me about the event, and how you can support Sick Kids Hospital and I told her I wanted to share with you about it.  So if you want to support Sick Kids, please do!! If not, you can choose whatever hospital from their network that is closest to you.

Sick Kids Hospital is one that I personally used as a child.  I had a problem that wasn't life threatening, and they totally took care of me when other doctors couldn't help.  But that is not what stuck with me the most.  It was the terminally ill children, or ones with major disabilities, that Sick Kids were helping.  I remember playing with some of the kids, or meeting them in the hall.  I remember feeling sad looking at them, and crying that I was wasting the time of the doctors.  These kids were all so sweet and hugged me and told me that it would all be ok that I just had to be brave.  It really stuck with me, and the doctors telling me that each child was important and each person's problem is big to them.

Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto helps kids from around the world and makes each kid feel special and important.

So how do you get involved?

You need to register with them for free.  Then gather tax-deductible donations from friends and family towards the hospital of your choice.

Then on November 2nd (or another day if it works better for you), play any game or games you want!  You can play at home or with your friends or find a local event!  You can choose any gaming platform you like, any type of games!

You can register for free, but they have a $15 Platinum option, which makes you eligible to receive lots of goodies and prizes when you raise $200 in funds!  You can always start out with the free option and then upgrade if you hit the $200 later!

Jump in and support this awesome event by sponsoring a player, or by playing yourself.
I want to know, are YOU going to take part?