Game Nation’s Julie Redfern reflects on the company’s relationship with the CHIPS children’s charity following its latest wheelchair presentation to 8-year-old Jack in Ramsgate. The progressive high street gaming operator has raised over £50,000 in 12 months, driven by a company-wide passion to provide more life-changing wheelchairs in the process helping to transform the lives of youngsters and their families.
Game Nation HR Director, Julie Redfern has underlined the huge sense of company-wide pride arising from its partnership with the children’s wheelchair charity CHIPS.
Speaking following the presentation of a Game Nation funded chair to eight-year-old Jack and his family at the company’s high street venue in Ramsgate, Julie said: “There was an immense sense of pride in knowing that, through our partnership with CHIPs, we had played a part in helping to transform the life of a wonderful little boy from Kent.
“When you witness a child receiving his/her new wheelchair and see the reaction of their family, the impact is incredibly powerful. The chair isn’t simply a piece of equipment, it provides independence, freedom and opportunities, making an enormous difference to the whole family.”
She added: “Jack and his family were incredibly special, and the presentation was both joyous and incredibly emotional. Hearing directly from Jack’s mum and dad about the struggles they had faced over many years trying to secure NHS funding for the wheelchair that he needed was heart-breaking.
“But the moment that Jack received his new wheelchair was transformative. Seeing the joy in his face and his reaction to his new found freedom was incredibly emotional for everyone there. His mum, dad and sister were so happy and it really brought home exactly why CHIPs matters. Once you’ve witnessed a presentation like that, it is very difficult not to be moved by it and want to do even more.”
Confirming the collective energy that continues to drive a campaign that has succeeded in raising more than £50,000 in the space of 12-months she stated: “What makes me particularly proud is that this isn’t being driven by one person or one department. It really is a Game Nation team effort. What started as our nominated charity has grown into something that genuinely feels at the heart of Game Nation.
“The commitment and energy from across the business has been fantastic. Our teams haven’t just supported fundraising activities, they have come forward with their own ideas, enthusiasm and determination to make a difference.
“To build on that momentum, we have introduced CHIPS Champions across the business. Their role is to keep that energy alive, encourage even more fundraising ideas and bring our teams together behind the charity. Hopefully, this will help us raise even more money and, ultimately, provide more life-changing wheelchairs to children and families who need them.”
Outlining the chemistry that exists between the extended Game Nation family and CHIPS she reflected: “CHIPS doesn’t have an expensive head office or a paid CEO. Instead, co-founder Linda Lindsay and the Trustees provide their time and energy at zero cost. CHIPS Trustees don’t even claim expenses which means that all of the money raised goes towards helping children and families like Jack’s. This is something that resonates with Game Nation colleagues and customers and encapsulates what fundraising should be all about.”
CHIPS co-founder Linda Lindsay, who attended the Ramsgate presentation said: “Every presentation that we make is special but I’ve rarely if ever seen such an immediate transformation. Jack’s eyes lit-up when he took charge of his chair and you know how impactful it will be on his life and that of his family. It’s only through the tireless work and dedication of Game Nation CEO Mark Jepp, HR Director Julie Redfern and the wider team that we are able to step in and help families such as Jack’s. The money Game Nation has generated over such a short period of time is remarkable and their energy and creativity has been phenomenal. It’s a real honour to have them as such a powerful supporter and compelling advocate.”
Originally published on Coinslot on August 24, 2026. Republished with permission.