The Great Game on Cancer Giveaway (GOCG) will boast the largest gaming and entertainment giveaway in Australian history with more than 900 prizes on offer during the fundraiser, valued at a whopping $58,000.

Running from December 6th through to Tuesday, December 19th, anyone who donates AUD $50 or more to Cure Cancer during this period will instantly win a prize valued at $50 or more, randomly selected from the assortment of donated prizes. People can donate as many times as they like or as much as they like, with each $50 donation worth a prize (e.g. if you donate $200, you will receive 4 prizes).

It’s a win / win situation, you get to donate to cancer research and you win a prize that could be greater than the value of your donation!

To win one of the incredible prizes, people simply need to go to https://www.curecancer.com.au/giveaway, make a donation and then, at the end of the two-week campaign, they will be informed about which prize they have won. Yes, it’s that simple!

Major brands are on board including the likes of Xbox and EA Games, who have all donated prizes to the campaign, which aims to raise $50,000 plus for Cure Cancer. Prizes include a PC from Outlaw Tek worth $2,000, Xbox Series X and S consoles, and a Moza R5 Racing Bundle, just to name a few.

Other brands involved are Logitech G, Turtle Beach, Nanoleaf, Bethesda, Twelve South, Satechi, Quokka Mousepads, Outlaw Tek, 2K, The Game Expo, Good Games Publishing, Space Cowboys, Fantasy Flight Games, Z-Man Games, Pandasaurus Games, CATAN Studios, Andaseat, MOZA Racing, Bungie, PAX Australia, Annapurna Interactive, Neon Doctrine, Wahu, Keychron, PLAION ANZ and Fortress.

The money raised will go directly to Cure Cancer to fund ground-breaking cancer research by brilliant scientists to save millions of lives. Cure Cancer’s community of researchers, fundraisers and partners take on every cancer, working together to find the most impactful solutions in record time. Driven by a bold ambition –  What if we cure cancer?

The charity recently announced that it has raised over $1million through its Game on Cancer ® initiative; vital monies driving vital research into all cancers.

The Great Game on Cancer Giveaway campaign will be launched by the hilarious Back Pocket team and will have well-known streamers such as @iamfallfromgrace, @fitforpurpose, @nicktacula and Jeff Cannata also promoting the event.

What better way to embrace the Christmas spirit than with a donation to cancer research? And your generosity will be rewarded with one of the fantastic donated prizes.

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Returning for their 7th ADE charity cycle after the widely acclaimed event last year, non-profit organisation and record label Bridges For Music prepare for their annual 550 KM cycle ride kicking off 15th October, 2023.

Embellishing a cult status as the most highly anticipated charity cycle in the music industry, the yearly event boasts over 120 past industry heavyweight participants like Richie Hawtin, Joris Voorn, Chris Liebing, Pan-Pot, Juliet Fox, Jamiee, and more. DJ Rebekah, who joined the cycle in 2019 and 2020, said that “Joining the ADE/Bridges for Music Cyle was one of the most exhilarating yet challenging experiences, a true test of fitness. All whilst raising money for an awesome cause.”

Special thanks to ADE and Pioneer DJ for making this cycle possible each year, and to all the teams who have signed up along the way including Pioneer DJ, Awakenings, Armada, Resident Advisor, Beatport, Sonos, Defected, and others. The charity ride will continue to raise money for the Bridges music academy in Langa Township in South Africa and for young students living in under-resourced communities. The £250,000 raised from the event alone has already enabled the Bridges Academy to expand its program and continue its mission to change the lives of youth by ensuring that over 200 students a year receive a free education through Bridges’ growing MUSIC MBA program that combines creative entrepreneurship, mindfulness and music.

In homage to Resident Advisor who originally kick started the ADE cycle back in 2014, this four-day route will depart on the 15th October from Resident Advisor’s HQ in Shoreditch. Throughout the ride there will be various strategic pit spots, bolstered by support vehicles, expert cycle guides, energy bars, electrolytes and good vibes along the way before crossing the finish line on 18th October and welcomed by ADE.

The cycle is catered toward cyclists with a diverse array of experience and encourages novice riders to participate regardless of capability. Divided into groups of fitness and ability to cycle at around 30km/h avg, 26km/h avg, and 22 km/h avg, – Those who are unable to commit to the full duration of the cycle are welcome to join half or one stage of the cycle tour. No prior cycling experience is needed to complete this adventure, but an easy to follow and realistic training program for busy lives 2-3 months is recommended and for those who don’t own their own bike  a rental bike can also be arranged for £250.

Those interested in entering will receive an ADE Pro pass, three nights accommodation in four star spa hotels, tour guides and support, luggage transport, breakfast and dinner, energy snacks,, an official ADE jersey and your bike returned to London for  a £1,100 entry fee paired with fundraising or a £2,000 entry fee without fundraising. Sponsored entries are also available for companies who wish to enlist a team and your team logo will appear on the special ADE riders kit.

In addition to the fee, entry requirements include setting up a fundraising page on the Bridges For Music team page, reaching out to networks to encourage donations, and collectively assisting in reaching the 50K target.

To sign up and secure your spot, visit www.adecycle.com. Book now as spaces are limited.

Bridges for Music – ADE Cycle runs from the 15th – 18th October 2023.

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Gibson and Gibson Gives, its philanthropic arm, are bringing the music community together to stand behind the Ukraine Relief effort, raising awareness and funds to aid the people of Ukraine.

Gibson luthiers have crafted a limited edition run of four Guitars For Peace Les Paul Custom electric guitars, which proudly display the unforgettable Azure Blue and Gold colors of the Ukrainian Flag.

Gibson partnered with artists to perform with the Ukraine guitars on stage on tour this summer. Autograph books traveling alongside each guitar have been autographed by Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Slash, Fher Olvera of Maná, Nile Rogers of Chic, Mark Knopfler, Lzzy Hale, Margo Price, Alex Lifeson, Blossoms, The Fratellis, Kasabian, Madness, Maisie Peters, Paloma Faith, The Charlatans, The Vaccines, Toyah, My Chemical Romance, and actor Jason Momoa, among others.

Paul McCartney performs with a custom Gibson Guitars For Peace Les Paul Standard guitar in Syracuse, NY. Photo credit_ MJ Kim.

Starting on October 11th, 2022, bidding will open for the Gibson Guitars For Peace Ukraine guitars and their autograph books as part of Julien’s Auctions, the auction house to the stars, “Icons & Idols: Rock ‘N’ Roll” live auction.

Bidding will conclude with the live auction on Friday, November 11th, Saturday, November 12th, and Sunday, November 13th 2022, online via www.JuliensLive.com and in-person at the Hard Rock New York. Registration is required to bid in this auction and can be done in person or online before the sale via the registration page to bid by phone, proxy, or in person, or online. For inquiries, please email or call.

100% of the funds from the auction of the Gibson Guitars For Peace Ukraine Relief guitars will go to the current humanitarian need for the people of Ukraine, as well as rebuilding efforts once the conflict ends.

Mark Knopfler with the Gibson Guitars For Peace Les Paul

The Gibson Gives Ukraine Relief guitars feature the colors of the Ukrainian flag, which is a worldwide symbol of international solidarity for the freedom, democracy, and independence of the Ukrainian people. The Azure Blue color on top signifies Ukraine’s great blue skies, while the Gold below denotes the massive fields of grain that cover three-quarters of the country; the flag of Ukraine represents its role as the breadbasket of Europe.

A strong symbol of pride, the Ukrainian flag was created in 1848 and has flown high as the national flag of Ukraine for over 30 years since Ukraine achieved its independence.

“I’m happy to auction this beautiful guitar of mine to benefit the fine people of Ukraine,” says Paul McCartney. “Hopefully it will help them through this aggressive Russian invasion.”

“It is an honor to represent the brave sovereign state of Ukraine,” says SLASH. “I’m proud to support them during this conflict.”

“Once again, Gibson Gives rises to the occasion!” says Alex Lifeson of RUSH. “I’m proud to count myself in as a supporter of the Guitars For Peace initiative in aid of the people of Ukraine.”

Slash performing with Guns N’ Roses in June with a Gibson Guitars For Peace Les Paul Custom guitar.

“It’s been heartbreaking to watch the innocent people of Ukraine in such turmoil,” adds Lzzy Hale of Halestorm. “I’m so proud of my Gibson family for stepping up to provide a bit of hope to our fellow humans.”

“For many centuries, music has always played a pivotal role in uniting communities and countries, especially during times of conflict,” says James “JC” Curleigh, President and CEO of Gibson Brands. “Despite the dark circumstances, we stand by our amazing artists with our support to launch ‘Guitars for Peace,’ and to envision a better future for Ukraine and its citizens.”

In addition to the guitars, Gibson has launched the Guitars For Peace T-Shirt to allow everyone across the globe to show their support for Ukraine in an affordable way. 100% of funds from the sale of Gibson Ukraine guitars and the Guitars For Peace T-Shirts will be donated to immediate humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine through the Disaster Emergency Committee, a portion of the funds will also be used to re-establish music programs in Ukraine when the conflict ends.

To order the Gibson Gives Guitars For Peace T-Shirt and support Ukraine relief go here.

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Back bigger than ever, DJs and the music industry will gather again for the annual Amsterdam Dance Event cycle.

Being the 6th edition, this ride pedals off from London cycling over 500km and will arrive in time for ADE, the biggest dance music conference and festival in the world.

Stretched across four days, the ride will kick off on the 16th of October 2022 from London, passing through France and Belgium to arrive in Amsterdam on the 19th October for the biggest dance music conference in the world.

The event was set up by charity, Bridges for Music, to raise funds for its program that provides quality education to young talent in underserved communities in South Africa. However, with the war taking place in Ukraine this year’s ride has partnered with Choose Love to help supply humanitarian aid for refugees.

DJ Rebekah, joined the ADE CYCLE in 2019 & 2020 said: “Joining the ADE/Bridges for Music cycle was one of the most exhilarating experiences, yet challenging, a true test of fitness. All whilst raising money for an awesome cause”

Over the past six years 100+ industry heavyweights have been involved in raising over €200,000 for Bridges For Music, which has all been put towards the construction and running of a pioneering learning centre in Langa Township, South Africa. Each year 200 students are enrolled into Bridges growing MUSIC MBA program, a holistic program combining creative entrepreneurship, mindfulness and music. The funds raised from this annual cycle aims to enrol even more students to a free education.

With previous years welcoming the likes of James Haskell, Arielle Free, Richie Hawtin and Joris Voorn, as well as riders from leading music companies such as Beatport, Pioneer, Resident Advisor and Awakenings, this year’s team has already confirmed musicians, Msaki, Rebekah, Dope Saint Jude and teams sponsored by SONOS, as well as riders from Parlophone / FFRR, Fabric and more to be announced.

Early bird fees start at €800 and include accommodation, breakfast and energy snacks, official ADE kit, bike return to London, luggage transport, a welcome lunch at ADE and an ADE Pro Pass (worth €525). ADE’S co-director Jan-Willem van de Ven:

“After last year’s tour around Amsterdam, we’re happy to welcome this year’s riders from across borders again and be able to help raise funds for both Bridges for Music and Choose Love with the 6th annual cycle already.”

In addition to the funds raised by riders, the ADE CYCLE has been made possible thanks to the sponsoring from industry’s leading companies including Pioneer DJ.  Mark Grotefeld, Pioneer DJ’s General Manager said: “As a long standing partner of Bridges for Music it is our honour once again to sponsor the stellar cycle to ADE. Not only is this an incredible experience for all of the riders involved, but an opportunity to make a significant contribution to such a worthy organisation that helps create better futures for the less privileged in South Africa.
Wishing everyone the best of luck and if you’re interested there are still a few rider spots available!”

Philli Boyle, Choose Love Founding Member / Director of Partnerships explained: “We are delighted to be partnering with the brilliant Bridges for Music on the ADE cycle this year. As momentum from the general public donating to Ukraine response begins to slow down, the crisis continues and we are providing everything from food to shelter and desperately needed medical supplies. This collaboration will help ensure we can continue to do this work”

With a limited number of places available, make sure to register for a spot soon.

Bridges for Music – ADE Cycle runs from the 16th to 19th October 2022.

The post Bridges For Music appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Shapeshifter are excited to share their new music video for the single Life,  taken from their new album Rituals.

In collaboration with Paw Justice, $5 from every physical album / vinyl sale of Rituals in the next 48 hours following the release will be donated to the charity.

Shapeshifter will also personally match all donations fundraised during the two days.

Starring doggos Brew, Teddy and Legend, the video follows the trio as they escape the grind and go on a Hairy Maclary style adventure across Auckland.

With support from NZ On Air, the video was directed by Shae Sterling, with the dogs from Rosie’s Animal Ark talent agency and their trainers Marie Manderson, Rosie Miles and Kristy Avery bringing the journey to life.

Paw Justice have been championing animal rights since 2007, dedicated towards reducing and eliminating animal abuse in Aotearoa. They run community focused projects, initiating education programmes to teach youth about animal care and welfare, and setting up an emergency surgery fund – all part of Paw Justice’s goal of defending the voiceless.

Shapeshifter perform Rituals to Auckland’s Spark Arena with Lee Matthews and JessB on August 14th, 2021.

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Indie pop-rock artist, Jessica Mar, has released a new fierce anthem called “Fighter,” an ode to overcoming adversity with unbreakable strength.

With smooth, fresh beats, Mar portrays a relaxed yet electrifying pop track. Her passion for songwriting shines through these personal,  passionate lyrics based on her life this past year. For the release of the single, Mar is teaming up with the American Cancer Society as part of their Songs For Hope campaign.

Captivating beats and natural melodies take this single to the next level. Drawing on her personal struggles as fuel for the track, the lyrics are strong, powerful, and heartfelt, comforting listeners who may be feeling the way she was. “I wrote ‘Fighter’ as an ode to my own past and challenges I’ve experienced, but it’s also meant to be relatable to anyone that has overcome adversity,” says Mar. “After everything we’ve collectively gone through this past year, ‘Fighter’ seems to serve as a 2021 anthem of sorts.”  Beto Vargas (Beto Vargas Productions) and Mert Özcan (The Record House) produced “Fighter” along with the rest of the songs on her upcoming debut album.

The journey of life is different for everyone, but Jessica Mar shows through “Fighter” that resilience is all it takes to succeed.

Further pursuing the message behind the song, Mar is working with the American Cancer Society by doing a live stream fundraiser on the release day of the song as part of their Songs For Hope campaign.

Songs For Hope helps unite the music community with the American Cancer Society’s mission to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. The campaign is available on tiltify.com.

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Elton John is set to launch a weekly archival concert footage series entitled “Elton John: Classic Concert Series,” featuring some of his most monumental concerts from around the world on his Official YouTube Channel.

Beginning this Saturday, July 4 4am NZST exclusively on YouTube and available digitally in its entirety for the first time ever, the series will Premiere with “Live at Playhouse Theatre, Edinburgh” from 1976. Following this Friday’s episode,  a new, epic two-hour concert set will Premiere on Elton John’s YouTube Channel every Saturday at 4am NZST for a total of six weeks. The series will raise funds towards the Elton John AIDS Foundation in support of COVID relief efforts.

Elton John says: ‘My Foundation’s COVID-19 Emergency Fund helps frontline partners prepare for and respond to the pandemic and its effects on HIV prevention and care for the most marginalized communities,’ says Sir Elton John, ‘We cannot jeopardise HIV testing and care during this time or else the results could be disastrous for the 37.5 million people living with HIV. So, I’m really happy to connect this YouTube Concert series to benefit our Foundation’s urgent COVID response.’

Recorded as part of the Edinburgh Festival of Popular Music on 17th September 1976, ‘Live at the Playhouse Theatre’ gives fans an exhilarating view of Elton at the height of his ‘70s popularity, having just enjoyed his first UK #1 single with ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.’ This electrifying solo performance kicks off with Skyline Pigeon (taken from ‘Empty Sky’) before ending with a riotous version of ‘Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)’. The setlist rips through classic after classic, including ‘Rocket Man,’ ‘Daniel and ‘Bennie and the Jets.’ It was also the first time Elton performed ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’ solo. Climbing on his piano and stomping his way through this virtuoso performance, Elton leaves every ounce of himself on the stage, in a classic concert that was to be the last time he would perform a full show for another 7 months.

Watch the teaser Trailer for this Saturday’s “Live at Playhouse Theatre, Edinburgh” above and be sure to tune in each week for a new show and access to limited edition Merch commemorating this special concert series.

Everyone that works on STG is a volunteer. If you like the site and it’s contents please think about donating. Even a small amount helps keep the servers running.

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Videogames Mental Health Charity, Seven Squared and independent developer and games label, Team17 today announced the launch of a new Worms ‘Incoming!’ T-shirt available exclusively through Seven Squared’s website with 100 percent of profits going to Safe In Our World.

Officially launched in 2019 on World Mental Health Day, Safe In Our World is an accredited charity supported by industry luminaries, veterans and ambassadors across the world. Its mission is to create an online destination where people can seek help, gain access to resources and information, and discover stories from real people within and surrounding the games industry.

Simon Kay of Seven Squared / AT New Media said, “One in every four people around the world is affected by mental health issues, and we passionately believe in Safe In Our World’s mission to help anyone among our gaming community in need of support and understanding. We’re thrilled to see those same values are shared by Team17, and we appreciate backup from the iconic Worms franchise – a true gaming classic, established in 1995. It says so on the shirt!”

Max Everingham of Team17 said, “Raising awareness of mental health issues is fundamentally important for companies and individuals alike, and at Team17 we want to do our part. The opportunity to team up with Seven Squared and assist Safe In Our World’s mission is one we wanted to support, which is why we chose to provide them with our most iconic franchise.”

The Worms ‘Incoming!’ tee is available now for £19.99 through Seven Squared, with all profits going to Safe In Our World’s campaign to raise mental health awareness in the games industry and among gamers around the world.

To purchase the new T-shirt before they are all gone, visit the official website.

Everyone that works on STG is a volunteer. If you like the site and it’s contents please think about donating. Even a small amount helps keep the servers running.

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Bungie is proud to announce the Guardian’s Heart Initiative has raised $780,000 USD for Direct Relief.

Direct Relief is a multi-cause charity who support healthcare workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Launched on April 14th, 2020 (AEST) Guardians from all over the world helped to hit the Guardian’s Heart Initiative $700,000 USD goal last week and wrapped at $788,923.19 USD (approx. $1.2 million AUD) thanks to the generosity of the Bungie community. The Guardian’s Heart Initiative ended on May 13th, 2020 (AEST). Even with the initiative at an end, you can still support Direct Relief through their site here.

The Guardian’s Heart Initiative saw Bungie release a special Emblem, which was only available through a Tiltify donation to Direct Relief.

To support fundraising efforts, Destiny 2 content creators came together to promote Guardian’s Heart by offering themselves up for Bungie Bounties. Bungie Bounties are a community event where Bungie identifies a target player for other players to compete against to earn an exclusive in-game Destiny 2 emblem.

Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and more than 80 countries, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies – without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay. They work with a network across the globe to deliver the supplies front-line healthcare workers need.

The Guardian’s Heart Initiative was just one of Bungie’s efforts to help people the world over. Previous examples are Guardians for Australia, Game2Give, Guardians to the Aid of Nepal, and more recently their annual Kilts for Kids fundraiser. To learn more about Bungie’s other fundraising efforts, you can visit the Bungie Foundation’s website.

Everyone that works on STG is a volunteer. If you like the site and it’s contents please think about donating. Even a small amount helps keep the servers running.

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In New Zealand, we have a term for your companions with whom you share your lockdown – they are your “bubble”.

JaffaJam believes games have the potential to make the world a slightly better place and support people at a time when they really need help. That’s why we’re asking you to #JoinOurBubble, a non-profit initiative to offer free games at a time they need them the most.

This is a good time to be playing games – for relaxation and maybe even to learn a few things on the way. That’s why we at JaffaJam have decided to shift our focus to making games that alleviate stress and anxiety or help educate and inform.

Good news – at JaffaJam we have also made our last four games completely free and you can find out how to access them at our Official site, along with a bunch of other games from like-minded game developers. And keep an eye open for more games coming to #JoinOurBubble as more teams get on board.

JaffaJam wish the best for you and your family in these crazy times and hope we can do our bit to make everyone’s life a bit less stressful. Happy gaming.

For developers

There are three main ways to get involved:

• Offer some free games for a period of time: JaffaJam have removed all forms of monetisation from our last four games which are all pretty chilled and friendly for all ages. We know how generous many of have been in the last few weeks and they applaud any team that has been able to give away or de-monetise any titles to help the billion plus people around the world currently in lockdown. JaffaJam also appreciate this is not the time to threaten revenues – the last thing anyone needs is a company risking jobs – but if there are older titles or games that can be de-monetised simply and without damaging your team, then let them know – they will add them to the list at joinourbubble.org and can switch them out when the free period is over.
• Make new games that help: They’ve switched over our resources for the time being to make games that either help relieve stress or anxiety, or assist home teaching for kids whose education has been disrupted massively overnight. If you can, please join. If you can spare the time to prototype or develop a game that fits these two purposes, JaffaJam want to help and will promote them via joinourbubble.org.
• Use our technology – if that helps you: At JaffaJam, we developed a Unity framework called “BubbleGum” (funnily enough it was called that long before the idea of lockdown “bubbles”) to help prototype rapidly and produce highly polished games in a short time. BubbleGum is a flexible modular system for integrating common and complex functionality for in-game systems such as procedural-generation, music mixers, localization, character selection, and achievements. If this would help you make games that either help relieve stress or anxiety, or assist home teaching for kids, then JaffaJam will share these tools for free and offer support in their use. You can also use our Cloud Services platform to help game management, inventory, leaderboards, achievements and so on.

Games that have joined our bubble so far: From JaffaJam: Mountain Madness, Bouncing Buddies, Slam Dunk Santa and Samsara; from Cerebral Fix: Down the line, Attack of the Cones, Piñata Panic and Lockdown Logistics; from MorePork: Garden Wars.

Everyone that works on STG is a volunteer. If you like the site and it’s contents please think about donating. Even a small amount helps keep the servers running.

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