Make Giving Even More Fun

Giving is fun! It puts a smile on someone else’s face, spreads love and kindness, and allows dreams to come true. That’s enough of a reason to give. But, sometimes you have to spice it up a little bit to keep the motivation flowing. Make giving even more fun by turning it into a game while still doing good. ​

Family Dinner Games

Bring something special to a typical family dinner with a Family Giving Dinner. The Family Dinner Project shares some giving-oriented games to not only add a little fun to the dinner table, but to also encourage families to think about and talk about giving and what it means. Print out the free Giving Pledge Mad Lib resource the next time company comes over. You’ll have fun, learn something about one another, and open the door to meaningful conversation. ​

Free Rice

Every time you get a correct answer when playing the vocabulary game at Free Rice, 10 grains of rice is donated to the World Food Programme. In just a few minutes of spare time, and a few churns of the noggin, you can help feed people who need it. It’s also completely free, since advertisers fund the game. Watch the bowl fill with rice with every right answer. ​

​The Giving Game

Meant to be played on a larger scale at events or at universities, The Giving Game, created by The Life You Can Save, encourages teamwork, communication, and real-life giving. Over the course of the event, the group must work together to determine which charity to give to. It’s a total win-win. ​

Gamers for Giving

If you’re a serious gamer and giver, check out Gamers for Giving. This yearly tournament held in Michigan unites PC and console gaming enthusiasts for some friendly competition, fun, and charity giving. For two full days full of events and activities, players put on their game faces, all while raising funds for Gamers Outreach charities, such as providing portable gaming devices in children’s hospitals. ​

Photo used with permission courtesy of Unsplash.com

Beyond Virtual Reality

The idea of incorporating positive social change into video games is catching on. More than the concept of a donation being made with every Pokemon you capture, for example, this version of gaming for giving requires you to make actual effort and action to advance in the game. You might have to participate in a real-life water conservation activity, or do something related to civic engagement to unlock features or move to the next level.
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With a little creativity and a whole lot of heart, game-lovers are creating a mash-up of giving and gaming that brings giving into our everyday lives. Have you participated in game-related giving? Share away!

Author

Jannan Poppen, Giving Coordinator