Here’s a reason to actually encourage your child to play on the computer. Disney’s Club Penguin, one of the largest online virtual worlds for kids, is donating $1 million to charities during the holiday season, based on its players’ actions.
Club Penguin kicked off its annual “Coins for Change” program on Thursday, and it runs through Jan. 2. During that time, players can donate the virtual coins they earn on Club Penguin Island to three types of charities: providing medical aid, building safe places and protecting the earth. Those contributions will help The Walt Disney Co. determine how it will earmark its charitable giving.
The site has added a new feature this year to entice giving. At the virtual bake sale, players can purchase racer cookies and paid members can buy Reindeer Puffle and Frost Bites cookies. The types of cookies designate which charity receives the coins they spend for the cookies. As a reward for giving, players and members can transform into the shapes of the cookies for 10 minutes. Only the Frost Bites come with the special powers to freeze virtual items temporarily.
My 10-year-old son, who is an avid Club Penguin member, was so excited about the start of Coins for Change that he got up early on the first day to start his donations before school. For kids who are at the age where video games are a large part of their entertainment, programs such as Coins for Change send a positive message and help model behaviors that allow the kids to learn more about the world.
Since its inception in 2005, Club Penguin has given a total of $9 million to charities all over the world. The money has been spent in 42 countries on projects such as building new schools, libraries and playgrounds for kids, as well as ensuring clean water and educational programs for families.
“Over the past six years, Coins for Change has inspired our players to take action and make a difference in the lives of millions of kids and families all over the world,” said Chris Heatherly, head of Club Penguin, in a written statement. “We hope this year’s Coins for Change virtual bake sale empowers our players to start similar programs and make a positive difference in their local communities.”
ClubPenguin.com offers suggestions and safety tips for hosting a real-life bake sale for charity. There even are recipes for Rockhopper Cookie Mix and Puffle Sugar Cookies.
Trending Now
Who's ready to check out new Disney Loungeflys? Meeeeeee!
Disney World just made a quiet change that could seriously improve how you book your...
We're obsessed with this new, Target-exclusive, boho Owala collection!
There's a new Tinker Bell Loungefly online, and we LOVE it!
When we called out what you thought was the worst hotel room in Disney World,...
If you are visiting Universal Orlando this May, pay attention to these FIVE ride closures!
There are tons of new Disney shirts available online!
Disney World Cast Members can ride two new big-ticket attractions early!
Why is this ride always down?
A Disney Visa Cardmember Perk has CHANGED in Disneyland!
Hollywood Studios is already looking different!
Here are this year's dates for the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival.
Roller coaster riders at Six Flags New England were forced to walk down the tracks...
Here are all the CHEAPEST days to visit Disney World in October 2027!
You can have the best park strategy in the world, but if your shoes are...
I've traveled 20 hours on a plane to visit Tokyo Disneyland, and let me tell...
We're showing off some new souvenirs coming to the Disney Store in May!
You can't miss this new HOKA drop!
This new rule can make Disney World Annual Passes harder to get!
Want to watch 'Star Wars' in chronological order? Start here!