Nintendo of America has been a key player in manufacturing Fun Centers for Starbright Children’s Foundation. These entertainment centers are placed in hospitals where children are nervously awaiting surgery or are recovering after treatment. Instead of having to read boring issues of Highlights they can relax by playing a Gamecube game or by watching DVDs on the flat-screen monitor. As a kind gesture Nintendo donated the 5,000th Fun Center to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. "It is fitting that Starlight Starbright’s 5,000th Fun Center is a gift from Nintendo; we wouldn’t have it any other way," said Don James, Executive Vice President, Operations of Nintendo. "I’m also pleased to announce that we will begin shipping new-and-improved Fun Centers to hospitals starting in summer 2007." What do the new improved Fun Centers contain? Wii consoles. A great idea for all of the children out there as long as Trauma Center isn’t one of the games. Fighting GUILT while awaiting a tonsillectomy probably isn’t going to calm the nerves.
In related good hearted news our friends at Get Well Gamers expanded to cover 41 hospitals in 26 states. “Our next step,” added Sharpe, ”is to see to it that we have the product donations to support our new increased capacity. At the moment, we have nowhere near what is required, but given our track record of success, we are confident that someone will answer the call. With the holidays fast approaching, however, it is crucial that we receive donations as soon as possible.” If you have any spare games or systems above the 16 bit era consider donating them instead of pawning them off at Gamestop. Sometimes relaxing before an operation can make a world of difference and playing Super Mario Sunshine makes those lonely days at the hospital pass much faster.
