Winnipeg gamers unite to raise money for Children's Hospital

Gamers in Winnipeg put their controllers and board game piecesto work this weekend to help raise money for the Children's Hospital Foundation.

A gaming marathon called "Extra Life" was held downtown with thegoal of raising money for children in need of better health services.

From board games to video games, the marathon offered something for everybody.

Ten-year-old AidenAnderson participated in the marathon. He's been nominated as a Champion Child, and he knows what it's like to frequent the hospitalregularly.

"Whenever I see a sick kid, I realize that kids aren't supposed to be in the hospital, they're supposed to be out on their bikes, playing with their friends," said Anderson.

Anderson is battling a medical condition. Even withhis condition, he iscommitted to helping out.

Event organizer, GraemeFortlage, said it took two months of planning to get the gaming marathon in play.

"It's a way to contribute to a really great cause and on top of that it gives gamers who are normally shown under a negative light and under negative connotation, showing that gamers are lazy, they don't really care about anything," said Fortlage. "It's just a way for gamers toinvolved, and be able to show that,hey, we care."

Some gamers played for 40 hours straight starting Friday, taking two hour power naps in between.

Competitorsfrom a variety of backgrounds participated, including kids with medical conditions receiving treatment at the Children's Hospital.

Winnipeg is one of five cities in Canada that hosts similar gaming marathons.