Delivering fun to kids and kids at heart
EB Games is all about good times, laughter and family entertainment. Especially for kids, EB Games means serious fun! And as Starlight is all about a healthy dose of fun for sick kids, the two organisations share a lot of common ground.
For EB Games, the Starlight Partnership is all about helping sick kids enjoy the same fun and happiness as every other kid. Theirs is a culture of giving and helping others. This is philanthropy at its most fun. The Partnership began when Managing Director Steve Wilson was keen for EB Games to support Starlight.
"It's an amazingly positive organisation despite their extremely challenging mission - lifting the spirits of children who don't have a lot to smile about," he said.
From the outset, EB Games wanted to build a long-term partnership rather than simply increase donations in the short-term. Their aim was to develop deep engagement across all areas of the organisation.
After more than 15 years, Starlight is humbled by the dedication and commitment shown by so many people right across the organisation. From financial and product donations, to volunteering and inspiring their staff to become 'Starlight Champions' for sick kids, the Partnership has exceeded all expectations.
"I have worked in partnerships across many industries for nearly three decades now, and I have never experienced anything close to the commitment, generosity and deep connection of the partnership that EB Games and Zing Pop Culture have for Starlight. I am constantly blown away by the all-in culture towards this relationship — this is not something that can be faked or quickly copied. It is very evident that EB and Zing share Starlight's vision of a happy childhood for all children, and with the support of every team member, supplier, business partner and customer, EB and Zing have directly impacted the lives of more than 250,000 children over the first 15 years of our collaboration.
EB Games and Zing Pop Culture are showcasing a masterclass in how to do business philanthropy right!
— Danica Bennett, State Partnerships Manager at Starlight
It's thanks to the energy and passion of EB staff that the Partnership has gone from strength to strength.
Their annual Starlight Week, which runs concurrently with Starlight Day in May, is one of their most popular and successful initiatives. During the week, every store across the country is a sea of purple and yellow as staff find new and creative ways to encourage donations for Starlight. From dressing up, to gaming competitions and inviting special guests, their fundraising efforts reach new heights every year. In 2022, EB Games celebrated its 25th year in business, its 15th year in partnership with Starlight and raised $1,242,757, a new record! The impact? Over 31,000 sick Aussie children will be able to receive a visit from Captain Starlight.
EB Games staff have also participated in team engagement activities including Race to Shine events and regularly attend Laughternoons and Starlight Express Room Experiences, where they see first-hand the fun and happiness their support brings. Thanks to their generosity, the Starlight Express Rooms have all the latest games and consoles making hospital more fun for kids and teens. They also support the innovative Livewire program and help create amazing Starlight Wishes.
Starlight is honoured to call EB Games a Platinum Partner. Their enthusiasm, passion and commitment to helping brighten the lives of sick kids can only be described as a game-changer!