Entertainment Software Charity unveils plans for 2006

The Entertainment Software Charity has revealed its fundraising plans for 2006, which include a new membership initiative that will be open to both companies and individuals.

Corporate membership of the 'Friends of the ESC' scheme is priced at GBP 1000 per year - for which participating companies will receive a framed certificate, a quarterly ESC update, and an invitation to attend ESC workshops by the charity's CEO, Mark Strachan. Corporate members will also be able to use the ESC logo on their company's website and letterhead.

Individual membership costs GBP 10 annually, and includes quarterly updates plus workshop invitations. Each member will also have the opportunity to become an ESC co-ordinator, organising at least one fundraising activity per year, and to stand for election as an ESC trustee.

This summer the ESC will elect three new trustees, bringing the total number up to seven. Trustees will be required to attend four meetings per year, and will be responsible for allocating funds to various charities and appeals.

Other events planned for 2006 include a Paddington Academy open day on March 22nd at 3pm, where visitors will be able to take a tour of the site and find out more about the ESC's future plans. This year's Golf Day will be held on June 7th at the London Club, and the charity's sponsored climb of Kilimanjaro will take place in October.

In addition, the ESC has been chosen to benefit from the charity auction at this year's British Grand Prix Ball, which will be held near Silverstone, and several corporate tables are available. And finally, the ESC hoping to build on the success of its PlayStation and Xbox retail packs with a new deal which will see net revenue from single titles going straight to the charity.

"With all these events and new initiatives we have planned, this will be an extremely busy year for the ESC," said Strachan.

"It's gratifying to see there's also lots of activity being created by individuals from the games industry. I have always felt it important that the whole industry is involved in our work and hope the Friends of the ESC initiative will further encourage this type of involvement from companies and individuals."

For more details, visit the ESC website.