GamesAid, the UK video games industry’s charity, distributed the monies raised in 2013-2014 by its members, friends and supporters at a special cheque-giving ceremony during the Eurogamer Expo at London’s Earls Court.

GamesAid also made several announcements about its record fundraising achievements for 2014 as well as unveiling a brand new comedy fundraising event at the Manchester Comedy Store on October 20th.

“2014 has been a massive year for GamesAid,” said GamesAid Chair, Stuart Dinsey “We’ve raised more money, supported more charities and distributed bigger individual cheques than ever before.”

The outgoing Chair continued, “As I step down after my three year tenure as Trustee and Chair I think I can safely say that GamesAid has never been stronger, better supported, or more able to make a real difference to the lives of kids and young people through the charities we support – it’s a great thing to be a part of and I encourage anyone involved in the video games industry to become a member today by signing up at www.gamesaid.org.”

Each year members of GamesAid nominate and vote to decide on the good causes that receive charity funding. Those charities gaining the highest number of votes receive an equal share of all the monies raised. In previous years the organisation has supported four or five charities, but this year GamesAid has expanded its reach with seven supported charities each receiving for £62,571 – the highest individual amounts GamesAid has ever raised.

A total of £438,000 was raised in 2013-4, bringing cumulative funds raised by the charity’s loyal supporters since it was established in 2007 to £1.2 million. The charities receiving the funding during the moving London ceremony were Special Effect, Lifelites, Action for Kids, Jigsaw4U, Safe at Last, Accuro and MAPS.

In addition to meeting the due diligence requirements of GamesAid, this diverse range of charities had two key things in common: they all work tirelessly to support children and young people in the UK, and all struck a nerve with GamesAid Members – who voted in even greater numbers than last year.

GamesAid’s patron, Imran Yusuf stated “Since the voting process closed on Thursday 11th September and the votes were counted, the Trustees have been informing the successful charities about the news. This is one of the most rewarding activities that GamesAid’s trusty volunteers get involved in each year – all the more given we’re supporting seven charities this year.” He added , “Those charities that didn’t quite make the grade shouldn’t be disheartened – it’s worth reapplying and lobbying next year too – the more awareness you can build up, the more likely Members are to vote for you in the future!”

Imran Yusuf’s thoughts have already turned to fundraising efforts for 2015 – and GamesAid also announced today that the successful Comedy Store night, Stand Up for GamesAid will be headed to the Comedy Store in Manchester on October 20th 2014. He asked for people to “save the date and start booking meetings in the North for that Monday as well, more details very soon. “

During the cheque giving ceremony, Stuart Dinsey, GamesAid’s outgoing Chair offered his heartfelt thanks to all the people who supported GamesAid in 2014, and made this the biggest year in the charity’s history. He said that “GamesAid only exists thanks to the energy, passion and fundraising efforts of the games industry. Thank you so much for your support. You are simply amazing.”