W.H. Croxford High School’s after-school gaming club members were able to combine two things they love in a recent fundraising effort – their love of all things game-related and their desire to help out sick kids in need.
The gaming club members and their teacher Duane Sovyn were able to raise about $5,300 through ExtraLife’s Children’s Miracle Network, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to support the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary.
Sovyn, the school's culinary arts teacher, said it was the second year in which Croxford’s gaming club students engaged in this type of fundraiser. They raised a similar amount last year.
Through the initiative, members raised money and pledges to support ExtraLife. In return, they got to enjoy a 24-hour, overnight gaming marathon at the school under teacher supervision.
“The kids did all the fundraising,” Sovyn explained. “They got all the pledges in. They had a minimum of ($100 raised) to spend the night at school.”
Sovyn said about 20 of the club’s 44 members took part in this year’s fundraiser.
“It helped them work together as a team,” he stated. “They knew they were raising money for the children’s hospital … The kids pulled together, and they really enjoyed it. It raises that social awareness level for them.”
He said about 18 teachers volunteered to stay with the kids through the night in shifts on Nov. 4 and 5, and in many instances even played alongside their students, everything from cards, to board games, to some video games.
While pulling the all-nighter was admittedly tough on “an old guy” like him, Sovyn said he was happy to help reward the kids’ efforts to do good for others.
“I am extremely proud of all my students for all their hard work and dedication to the ExtraLife fundraiser,” he stated. “They did a fantastic job.”
And while the gaming night has already passed, Sovyn confirmed the fundraiser will stay open until December for anyone in the community who wants to donate funds for Alberta Children’s Hospital and get a tax receipt.
Those wanting to donate can go to extra-life.org, search “Croxford,” and give in the name of the gaming club student of their choice.
