Teaching children the importance of giving back and helping others is a fundamental lesson, especially when those in need are children just like them. In the wake of the devastation caused by the recent earthquake in Haiti, Youth HandsOn Network and Hasbro, Inc. have joined together to create a nationwide fundraising initiative for kids – PLAYATHON for Haiti. This effort will benefit SOS Children’s Villages in purchasing “pop-up” shelters for the orphaned and vulnerable children of Haiti.
PLAYATHON for Haiti gives children and families a fun and creative way to feel empowered to make a difference in their world. Like a walk-a-thon, PLAYATHONS are group events organized around playing with toys, games or other fun activities – participants either secure a flat pledge for playing or pledges for every 15 minutes they spend playing.
100 percent of funds raised during the PLAYATHON for Haiti will be allocated towards the purchase of the SOS shelters. Additionally, up until March 31, 2010, the Hasbro Children’s Fund will match the total amount raised through PLAYATHON for Haiti events in support of SOS Children’s Villages, up to a total of $500,000.
You can also recruit families, children, friends from the neighborhood, school and online communities to organize their own PLAYATHON events. For more information on PLAYATHON for Haiti or to register a team, please visit www.playathonforhaiti.org and find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PLAYATHONforHaiti.
(We received this information from a representative of Hasbro, which we have worked with on past projects. They asked for our help and we are happy to spread the word about this great fundraiser)