 |
| Photo by Maze Studio |
There are various points/time periods where I see cosplay get a bad rep. Where people exclaim such harsh comments/statements about the cosplayers in the hobby. Some stating things like "attention whore" or doing it "for the money". In an effort to get away from the negativity, I wanted to highlight a positive side to it. Specifically, certain cosplayers I follow that have used this hobby and their following/platform to give back to the community. I'm sure that there are a few others that do charitable efforts with cosplay but these are the ones that I've seen often and are definitely worth the attention/spotlight. I've met a majority of these ladies that either run the drives, and or have taken part of some, I can say without a doubt that they love doing this and have a smile seeing their efforts actually make a difference.
I want to start with cosplayer Ani-Mia. In addition to being a gorgeous model, Mia has used her cosplay to give back to a variety of charities. These are done through photoshoots related to the charity and releasing a set of prints to help benefit them. For example, Mia has released in the past, colorful/pink shoots in a variety of bras/outfits for Breast Cancer Research. Most recently, Mia has released a set of prints using the ever popular SpiritHoods in an effort to raise money for Predator Defense. The prints produced are on the cute/sexy side but nevertheless, have helped in spreading the word about the charity. As of this post, Mia has raised over $900 through these prints.
In addition, Mia has done a Christmas Drive for needy children for the past few years, with last year being her most successful one yet. Through print purchases and donation options, money was raised to purchase an absurd amount toys, books and more (seriously, her apartment was covered XD). Mia also tapped in with several celebrities in having them auction off autographs to raise even more. I truly and sincerely love how Mia handles these charity events/print sales. The pics produced are classy and fun, and the funds received go to a great cause.
 |
| Photo by Brandin Photography |
If you've followed Ivy Doomkitty at all, then you'd know one thing for sure. She's a cat lady through and through. So much that she has teamed up with KittCrusaders, a NPO designed to help save kitties abandoned and find new homes before being taken to "kill shelters". There's also a lot more that I can go in with her recent push but I encourage you all to visit Ivy's page to see why. I feel that it's a personal matter that shouldn't be disclosed here. In any case, Ivy has taken some truly gorgeous pics in pin-up/boudoir attire (with added kittens of course) and sells them through the organization's website. Ivy also brings a jar for attendees who would like to donate upon meeting her. Ivy's love for cats truly makes this a personal adventure for her. I definitely see that she shows a lot of love towards her own cats, not to mention wanting to get the word out about the charity. I mean, how can you not love that photo above?
Another cosplayer who has been active in the charity area is Meagan Marie. She founded/started up the organization Cosplay for a Cause along with several other cosplayers. Their mission is to utilize cosplay as a front to help raise money for countries recovering from disasters. I recall the tsunami/earthquake in Japan being one of the recipients in the past. With Cosplay for a Cause, Megan reached out to many other well known cosplayers to help in being a part of shoots. Either cosplayers will do that, or donate some of their prints to the store. With the image on the right, that was part of an "All-American" set/theme. Monika Lee portrayed a country side girl, Yaya Han a mechanic, Lindze Merritt in the iconic "We Can Do It" pose and several others.
Meagan's shop has been successful and shows how cosplay can be used to help contribute in helping others. There's one other cosplayer who has done charity work but more-so through her Twitch Streams. UK cosplayer and League fanatic Kelly Jean has done several 24hr streams to help benefit the charity Special Effect. If you're familiar with Twitch, then you'd know how funds are collected that way. Kelly has expressed great success with these streams so that's always a delight to see.
Below are several pics showcasing these cosplayers participating in the charity and the prints they offer from time to time.
 |
| Mia's Apartment during the Chirstmas Drive lol |
 |
| Original photo by Jay Tablante Photography |
 |
| Photo by Maze Studio |
 |
| Photo by Maze Studio |
 |
| Kelly Jean cosplaying from her latest Charity stream |
What I hope is that these photos and descriptions show you all that cosplay can and is done with good intentions. There's also the groups that do hospital visits for kids dressed up as various characters and various other methods. I have links to the stores where you can make a donation, along with pages as necessary.
