Rural Queensland healthcare boosted as gamers unite to fund RFDS

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) has initiated Change the Game, a fundraising campaign aimed at the gaming and streaming community throughout May.

The campaign encourages gamers and content creators across Queensland to support the delivery of emergency aeromedical care in remote regions by streaming their gameplay on Twitch and raising funds via Tiltify.

Participation is open to gamers of all skill levels, from casual enthusiasts to professional esports players, and registration is accessible through Discord. Funding raised during the streams will contribute to the provision of critical healthcare services in regional and rural Queensland communities.

The initiative forms part of the Royal Flying Doctor Service's (RFDS) larger strategy to engage with the gaming industry more broadly. This strategy includes planned collaborations in areas such as flight simulation, game development, education projects, and establishing digital internships.

By utilising live streaming and interactive entertainment channels, the organisation seeks to increase funding and public awareness for its work, which encompasses primary healthcare, mental health services, and aeromedical care.

Katherine Ash, Executive General Manager of Fundraising and Philanthropy at RFDS (Queensland Section), highlighted streaming's capacity to facilitate connections across different communities and generations.

"With Change the Game, we're engaging a passionate and diverse community of content creators and streamers who are ready to align with our cause and make a real difference," Katherine said.

"Every dollar raised helps us continue our mission to provide critical healthcare to those who need it most."

Through the Change the Game initiative, RFDS aims to raise funds and establish enduring partnerships within the gaming sector. The organisation is actively contacting key companies and influencers for collaborations that extend to building flight simulator networks, creating educational pathways in game development, and establishing digital internships tailored to the sector.

These measures are designed to integrate digital technology into the RFDS ecosystem to foster ongoing innovation, advocacy, and educational opportunities.

RFDS (Queensland Section) has encouraged gaming influencers, content creators, and industry professionals to participate in the Change the Game campaign, whether by live streaming, sponsoring, or collaborating on prospective projects related to gaming and digital engagement.

Individuals interested in contributing can begin their fundraising journey through the campaign's dedicated web portal, joining an expanding community that supports the positive impact of gaming while aiding the delivery of essential health services in remote areas.