Donate Games appeal
Charity collects new and used games to help those affected by rare diseases.
For Immediate Release
Aliso Viejo, Calif. – Dec. 21, 2009 – Struggling on your own with a rare disease can be an isolating experience – just ask Jennifer Nelson, whose son suffers from hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 2, an unusual neurological disorder that frequently necessitates limb amputation as the condition advances. She is one of the millions of Americans affected by orphan diseases and one of the hundreds of people worldwide who have been brought together by Donate Games.
Donate Games is a new charity dedicated to funding research and support for those affected by rare and neglected diseases through the collection and resale of new and used video game donations. Since its founding in February, Donate Games has already connected industry professionals, gaming enthusiasts and families like the Nelsons, forging a new support network and sense of global community.
“As the parent of a kid with a rare disorder, I need other parents’ support and that's where Donate Games has the power to change lives, by connecting families of kids with rare disorders to one another to share our fears, our hopes and our dreams,” said Nelson. “I am grateful for the willingness of Donate Games to go where no other organization has to help people like me.”
The gaming charity has also played a role in rallying the worldwide community of players of the “City of Heroes” massively-multiplayer online (MMO) game. Joel and Karen Garcia, a gaming couple and two dedicated “City of Heroes” community leaders, are running an MMO-themed donation drive at www.RealWorldhero.com for gaming-oriented charities now through Jan. 1, 2010. Donate Games was selected as one of the benefiting organizations through co-founder Karen Garcia’s personal experience with a gaming friend, named Stephen, who died recently from two rare forms of cancer.
“Our launch date for RealWorldHero.com turned out to be the same day we buried Stephen, which was heartbreaking,” said Garcia. “But I know that he would have been excited about people getting involved. We are very proud to have Donate Games as one of our charities on RealWorldHero.com.”
Donate Games has also drawn the attention of Canadian interactive software publisher Meridian4, which recently contributed 750 pounds of its boxed titles for resale through Donate Games.
“The three directors at Meridian4 all have children and we know how devastating it would be if they were afflicted with a debilitating or fatal disease,” said Steve Milburn, director of marketing at Meridian4. “This is a terrific idea and we hope that other gaming companies and gamers will get involved.”
To join this rapidly-growing community committed to saving lives, one video game at a time, visit www.DonateGames.org.
To become a fan of DonateGames.org on Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/DonateGamesorg/112805304252.
About Donate Games - Founded upon the belief that people can change the world by simply donating their unwanted video games, Donate Games is a charity dedicated to funding research and support for children and their families of “orphan” diseases and the millions of Americans affected by them. Donate Games collects new and used video game donations and then resells them online to help the millions of young people suffering from these neglected disorders. In addition to raising funds for research on the diseases, the organization promotes awareness information and provides advisory services to the general public. Game donations, game purchases and volunteer opportunities are all processed via www.DonateGames.org.
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Contact: Carolyn Carnes
Flash Fire Communications
866-205-5670 x500
carolyn@flash-fire.com