TORONTO, Ont. – Hundreds of gamers across North America will be playing video games for 24 consecutive hours to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network and the Sick Kids Foundation. 

The event is called “Extra Life” with the tagline “Play games, heal kids.”

“It is something that allows you to take favourite hobby of yours and turn it into something that is good for your community, and in this case raise money for children’s hospitals,” Perry Esler, vice-president of programs and events for the Children’s Miracle Network told 680News.

“We know it has a huge impact for kids at children’s hospitals across the world,” he added.

Two years ago, the event raised $300,000 across North America.

This year, organizers are hoping to raise $2-million.

Zachary Starkman is the SickKids patient ambassador for this event.

Video games have always helped him cope with his illness, he said.

“It does help pass the time when you are in hospitals waiting for procedures, or step away from all the noises in the hospital, and kind of immerse myself in a different world.”

“It’s a great cause and a cool take on a fundraising event,” he said of Extra Life.

680News’ video game specialist Momin Qureshi will be taking part, along with Christine Chubb and Bryan Calhoun, his co-hosts from Sportsnet 590 The Fan’s video game show “Got Game.”

You can donate to the team here.

Twelve children’s hospitals across Canada will receive funding raised from this event.

All the money raised in the Greater Toronto Area will go to Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children.