The Holiday season has begun, so it’s the best time to bring some joy to the lives of children who are under long-term hospital care. Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada knows this very well, so it has partnered with EB Games Canada to bring the power of consoles and video games to hospitals across the country.
Earlier this year, Polygon and our sister sites launched Gaming 4 Good in partnership with the US division of Starlight Children’s Foundation. As part of the initiative, our readers (That means you!) helped raise around $50,000. The funds allowed Starlight to give these children some moments of happiness through hospital-safe consoles. And now, the Canadian division of Starlight Children’s Foundation is expanding on this great idea by partnering with EB Games Canada.
Polygon is bringing consoles to kids in hospitals — and you can win prizes for donating
We’re partnering with Starlight Children’s Foundation, because all kids deserve to play
Starlight Children’s foundation Canada helps hospitals feel a little more like home for kids
It’s a harsh reality that there are several kids who are bravely fighting life-threatening illnesses in a hospital. And of course, the hospital staff does its best to make these kids feel at home by giving them every bit of love. But even then, the overall environment and continuous treatment can affect a child emotionally and mentally. That’s where Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada comes in: to help these kids laugh, cheer, and maybe shout in excitement while in a hospital environment. And how does Starlight Canada do this? It’s simple; by bringing the power of play through its Starlight Gaming Systems. Imagine a child in hospital care connecting with their friends while playing Mario Kart 8. That sounds like a dream, but Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada makes it a reality.
Last year alone, Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada placed around 105 gaming units across nine provinces. In total, that brings the total number of active systems to 425 across Canada, bringing smiles and moments of joy to the lives of thousands of kids. The benefits of placing these units in hospitals have been astounding. According to Starlight’s Hospital Partners, most hospitals aren’t equipped to focus on their patients’ mental health while they are fighting a physical illness. Well, Starlight’s Gaming units helped improve kids’ mental health and reduce their anxiety and restlessness. Not only that, but it also made interactions with hospital staff easier.
Of course, it’s the treatment that helps kids overcome the illness, but it’s a fact that laughter and a positive and joyful environment can make the entire process a lot easier.
EB Games Canada is helping Starlight bring more gaming units to hospitals
We all trade our old gaming units or consoles, but EB Games Canada has partnered with Starlight Canada to ensure that your trade-ins amount to much more. From Nov. 3 to Dec. 31, every customer who trades in their old games, gear, or consoles at the EB Games Canada store will receive store credit, and EB Games will donate 10% of the total trade-in value to Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada. That’s a great way and the easiest way to keep your old consoles out of landfills and do some good with them.
Between Nov. 3 to Dec. 31, EB Games Canada aims to bring in around $500,000 through their partnership with Starlight. As confirmed by Brian Bringolf, CEO at Starlight Canada, funds raised will support gaming technology like “Starlight Nintendo Switch Handheld systems, Starlight Fun Centers with built-in screens, and Starlight VR sets.” These are all designed to bring gaming to kids undergoing treatments in hospitals.
Every Canadian who wants to trade in their old games, gear, or consoles can contribute by visiting any EB Games Store nationwide. You can also make a direct donation and learn more about the campaign at ebgames.ca/starlight.
