Game On Cancer®, a Cure Cancer initiative, has proven that the gaming community in Australia is a collective force that can bring about real impact — having officially raised A$1,000,000 to support cancer research.
A$1 million is enough to fund 10 groundbreaking research projects led by talented emerging cancer researchers across Australia — a mission that Cure Cancer prides itself in.
“Four years ago, Cure Cancer embarked on a new journey with the gaming community, driven by a shared purpose: to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by cancer,” shares Nikki Kinloch, CEO of Cure Cancer.
“At that time, we knew the community’s potential to make a difference. However, what truly took us by surprise was the remarkable influence they had in supporting our mission to kick-start bright new ideas to cure cancer.”
Game On Cancer® evolved as one of Cure Cancer’s digital initiatives in the midst of lockdowns in Australia due to the pandemic. At that time, Cure Cancer estimated a substantial loss of over A$500,000 in face-to-face fundraising, equating to more than 10,000 crucial hours of cancer research. As Cure Cancer doesn’t receive government funding, it relied solely on its donors and supporters to keep research projects going during this difficult time.
However, the organisation was well-poised to pivot with its online campaigns, especially as Game On Cancer® continued to grow a considerable following, including an audience that was outside of Australia. By the time the last of the lockdowns were lifted, Game On Cancer® had raised over $260,000 for cancer research, with the help of notable partners such as GenerOzity, PAX Australia, AusSpeedruns, go.to game, Bethesda, and Xbox.
Today, Game On Cancer® works with over thousands of creators, brands and partners to fundraise for its campaigns such as its annual Holiday Spectacular and Superhero Streamers.
“Our vision for Game On Cancer® was to create a movement of passionate people who channel their love for gaming towards making an indelible mark on the world of cancer research, so that one day we can look back on our efforts and be able to say, ‘This breakthrough, this treatment or this cure was made possible because the Game On Cancer® community helped kickstart the idea for it’,” said Shane Bailey, Head of Gaming and Streaming.
“To see the community fundraise $1 million in less than four years is simply overwhelming. What’s even more remarkable is that half of the funds raised had come in the past 15 months, which speaks to the growing enthusiasm from all corners of the gaming community to support cancer research.”
“I’m incredibly proud of our team, our volunteers, and our community of ambassadors, partners, fundraisers, and supporters who have all contributed to this amazing milestone. I’m looking forward to kicking even more goals together with our incredible community through innovative campaigns and ideas.”