Video Games as Tools for Charity

With all the negative press video games get, it’s nice to hear a positive story every now and then. Unfortunately, the mainstream media doesn’t usually run stories on video games unless they’re tied to real world violence. One organization is fighting this negative association, though, by using video games as a tool for charity. Somebody call Jack Thompson, he might just crap himself.

The Gamers Outreach Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by a group of gamers that are out to change the public perception of video games and the people who play them by hosting gaming tournaments and donating all the proceeds to charity.

Gamers should have no problem relating to GOF, as they have experienced the stigma that often comes with gaming. According to their website, a group of gamers (who would later become GOF) originally tried to organize a Halo tournament at their high school, but were met with opposition from a local safety official, who was also a part of the Parents TV Council, and subsequently their tournament was canceled.

Okay boys, lets pwn for charity.

Rather than retaliate, these gamers planned a second tournament, only this time as a charity event that would “show the countless positive aspects video games have on the life of an individual” and “prove those who canceled their tournament wrong.”

Back in February of 2008, GOF teamed up with MPcon to organize a 2vs2 Halo 3 tournament called Gamers for Giving and raised over $4000 for the Washtenaw County, Michigan chapter of the Autism Society of America. As an added piece of karmic justice, Washtenaw County is the same county their former public safety official nemesis works/worked in.

How cool is that? And just check out their mission statement: “To use video games in ways that make a positive difference in the life of individuals!”

Imagine the possibilities

Loreine Wynn, the chapter’s vice president, has a teenage son named Dylan who has Asperger’s Syndrome, one of the highest-functioning forms of Autism. Despite the challenges her son has had to face, she says Dylan has been able to find relief from its effects through video games; that gaming has helped Dylan to socialize with others, and has enabled him to interact with his friends on an even playing field. (I may seriously start to cry.)

Gamers Outreach Foundation is planning more Gamers for Giving events in 2009 and 2010, with the hopes of leasing larger facilities. While their website is still under construction and the details aren’t available, GOF’s other plans for the future include a canned food drive as well as a “Wii Project” and a “Literacy Project.”

More power to you guys. You’ve definitely got my support, and hopefully after this article the support of many others.

RingRing

Hello? Mr. Thompson, how nice to hear from you. Are you driving? Perfect.