Victoria fundraisers playing the world’s worst video game look for donations

CHEK

WATCH: It might be the world’s worst video game, but Desert Bus is the driving force behind a wildly popular internet charity telethon. Ceilidh Millar reports. 

Desert Bus for Hope, an online video game charity telethon, kicked off in the Capital City on Friday.

Volunteers play what has been reviewed as the ?world’s worst video game,? 24 hours a day, for as long as people donate money.

“We have 52 people working around the clock,” said organizer Serge Yager. “We estimate the event will run for six or seven days.”

The video game, Desert Bus, was a mini game on Penn & Teller?s Smoke and Mirrors,which was originally planned to launch on Sega CD in 1995. However, the game was never released.

Over the last 11 years, the Island-grown fundraiser has raised more than $4 million for the Child’s Play Charity.

“The amount of generosity you see from people on the internet from around the world is just amazing” said volunteer Dan Wu.

While the concept is simple, the production is a massive undertaking.

The event is streamed online to thousands of people who tune-in from around the world, all while the virtual bus keeps rolling.

During the telethon are guest appearances, live auctions, audience requests and many activities to keep viewers entertained.

“The best part is the people,” said Wu. “It’s the unexpected that make the best moments.”

“I think video games get a bad rap,” explained Yager. “The idea of gamers being able to help out and get games to sick kids in hospitals and women’s shelters around the world is such a great way to give back.”

Watch the telethon or donate to Desert Bus for Hope by visiting their website.

 

Ceilidh MillarCeilidh Millar

Recent Stories

Send us your news tips and videos!