Video game fans have the chance to name an RSPCA rescue animal after their favourite video game hero – as the country’s streaming community comes together to raise vital funds to support the charity’s biggest annual rehoming drive.
Participants can vote for a new pixel-inspired nickname for an RSPCA rescue animal on Tiltify – a digital fundraising platform that helps charities raise money in conjunction with streamers and content creators.
Twenty iconic video game characters have been shortlisted – with one male and one female animal in the charity’s care set to be renamed after animal lovers’ favourite video game star.
Animal rescuers will then find a rescue pet who matches some of the unique personality traits of the character – whether it be Luigi, Ryu or Zelda!
“It’s a me, Mario”
It comes as the charity’s Newbrook Animal Centre in Birmingham has found a loving new home for an adventurous kitten who bears a stunning resemblance to Nintendo’s own Super Mario.
New owner Devon Evitts adopted the doppelganger of the Mushroom Kingdom’s world famous Italian-American plumber, and he’s adapted to life brilliantly in his new home in Wombourne in South Staffordshire.
She said: “Mario’s settling in really well! He has an older brother called Pop, who we adopted from the RSPCA too.
“We chose Mario because of his adorable face, and his amazing resemblance to Super Mario!
“Mario is a typical kitten – always crazy, and wanting to play. But he sleeps a lot as well – which only fuels his zoomies!
“Choosing rescue was so important too. I’ve always had cats growing up that were always adopted or rescued. There are so many abandoned animals, so I feel it is important for people to adopt over buying.”
And Mario is showing a keen interest in gaming himself – when he isn’t adventuring around his new house, he’s been watching video games and Italian motorsports on the family TV!
“My boyfriend enjoys playing video games, and Mario likes to sit on his desk with him while he plays!” added Devon.
“We also both loved playing Mario Kart on the Wii as kids – so we know all about the franchise!
“He also likes to sit with us and watch the Grand Prix – he recently was loyal to his heritage and was fascinated by the Italian GP on the TV!
“Everyone who meets him questions why he is called Mario – until they look at him full on, and they instantly realise why!”
Vote for the ‘next Mario’ at RSPCA centre
Voting is open to streamers, their supporters and anyone else via the RSPCA’s World Animal Day campaign on the Tiltify platform. The public can vote for their favourite computer game character, and have the chance to make a small donation to the work of the RSPCA in the process.
The call comes as the RSPCA launches ‘Stream for Every Kind‘ – its annual streaming event, taking place in the first weekend of Adoptober, the charity’s annual month-long pet rehoming drive. (October 2 – 4), which also coincides with World Animal Day.
Those streaming and raising money for the RSPCA will help the charity with vital funds for its vital work including rescue and rehoming – at a time when animal cruelty has been on the rise. Streamers are encouraged to show kindness to animals as part of their events – either within virtual worlds if they’re gaming, or as part of their streams if they are creating other content.
Sophie Lewis, Mass Participation Manager at the RSPCA said: “We’re so excited that Stream for Every Kind is back for a second year.
“Whether you’re a video game streamer, or create other content, this is the chance to go live with some kind acts – all while raising vital funds for the RSPCA.
“Together, we are aiming to build a community movement that turns virtual animal kindness into real-world impact for every kind of animal.”
In recent years, more animals have been coming into the RSPCA’s care than the charity has been able to find homes for – meaning many of its centres are full to bursting, and the charity is spending millions of pounds a year on private boarding space so these animals have somewhere to stay.
But the RSPCA says streaming is having a “growing impact” on supporting animal welfare – and is a great way for those who may not be able to adopt an animal themselves to assist with the charity’s ongoing capacity crisis.
Sophie added: “It’s tough out there for our rescue teams. Animal cruelty has been rising, and many of our centres are jam-packed.
“But we are so excited this streaming event takes place during our Adoptober rehoming drive.
“Streamers can promote kindness, raise awareness for the animals in our care, and bring in vital funds that help our teams rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals who have escaped some of the worst situations of cruelty and neglect.
“And gaming is of course one of the most popular things to stream – so, this year, we’re excited to give video game fans the chance to vote for their favourite computer game characters, to inspire two new names for some of the amazing rescue pets in our care!”
Adoptober takes place every October, and is a dedicated month to raise awareness of the amazing animals who are looking for homes in RSPCA centres and branches, after being rescued from heartbreaking cruelty and neglect.
Now, ‘Stream for Every Kind’ aims to support Adoptober, by harnessing the power of the streaming community to raise awareness and support for animals of every kind.
Estimates suggest there are more than 200,000 active individuals streaming across England and Wales – with many using their platform to raise money for charitable causes.
Sophie said: “Not everyone is able to take on a pet in their lives.
“But we’re seeing that streaming is having a growing impact in the charity space – so getting involved is another way people can help us rehome animals and tackle the capacity crisis we are seeing right now.
“Whether it is finding ways to be kind to animals in games, baking dog biscuits, or chatting to your friends and sharing RSPCA content about the rescue pets in RSPCA care, we cannot wait to see all the amazing streaming ideas so many fabulous content creators will come up with.”
The steaming event not only coincides with the beginning of Adoptober, but also the annual World Animal Day celebrations.
Those wishing to get involved can:
Sign Up: Set a fundraising target using Tiltify or JustGiving, and receive World Animal Day streaming assets.
Research: Check out the RSPCA’s Find a Pet website to learn more about the amazing rescue animals you’ll be supporting this Adoptober.
Plan A Stream: Get creative and plan an engaging stream – whether it be gaming, chat or something else.
Spread the Word: Share participation and tag @rspca_official on social media for promotion.
Stream and Fundraise: Go live between October 2 and 4.
Can’t donate, but still want to vote? You can also submit your vote for free to the RSPCA at: fundraisers-support@rspca.org.uk
Those who take part and raise more than £50 receive an exclusive light up RSPCA cube, and the top five fundraisers over the two-day event will receive a limited edition gaming merch bundle including an exclusive RSPCA desk mat, tumbler and hoodie.
