Week-long video game marathon in Victoria raising money for children’s charity

Ever wanted to play video games for a good cause?

Desert Bus for Hope is bringing that dream to life, with a team of volunteers coming together to play the Desert Bus video game for 24 hours a day and operating for as long as people keep donating to charity.

The fundraiser will start at 4 p.m. on Friday, October 23rd, going live on their Twitch channel, along with several other platforms.

The event typically lasts about a week, with proceeds going to Child’s Play Charity, who provide therapeutic games, technology, information, support and grants to children in pediatric hospitals to help improve their healing process.

This year, Desert Bus for Hope is celebrating its 20th anniversary, having started in 2007. The fundraiser has raised nearly $13 million for the charity and become their largest donor during that time.

Event organizers say that it’s as exciting an event for them as the viewers and those who receive support from the charity.

“I am, as every year, most looking forward to spending a week bringing as much joy as possible to as many people as we can,” said Graham Stark, co-founder of Desert Bus for Hope.

“It’s invigorating even for me as a performer, and seeing the reaction from the audience really heals my heart.”

For the 20th anniversary this year, there are some extra shenanigans planned.

According to organizers, the fundraiser will feature prizes and giveaways for viewers, musical and comedy performances, a slate of celebrity guests as well as appearances from performers from previous years in recognition of community members who have been lost and whose legacy remains.

Viewers of the event can contribute direction to entertainers, submit their art and input and chat in real time with each other and with the entertainers on stage.

The event is all about promoting a culture of positivity, inclusion and celebration, and viewers, much like the volunteers and entertainers, return year after year and become a part of the Desert Bus family.

Want to see what the fundraiser is all about? Tune in to their Twitch channel or check out their website here to find out more.

Desert Bus for Hope 2026

• Where: Twitch.tv, social media channels
• When: Friday, October 23rd –4 p.m.