TRIFC Volunteer Projects: 'Chess Sets for the Blind' at Eastshore Unitarian Church Alternative Gift Fair

We had a wonderful time today at Eastshore Unitarian Church's Alternative Gift Fair, raising almost $400 to purchase Chess and Checkers sets for Blind/Visually-Impaired (BVI) Children in Nepal. At $20 per set we will be able to donate 20 sets to BVI children in Nepal where this kind of extracurricular activity isn't usually available. There are few games for these children to play and this is a great 'strategy' game which is both entertaining and educational.

The concept behind an 'alternative' gift fair is that rather than buying the usual holiday gifts which may or may not be wanted/needed you can buy a chess set for the blind, donate an animal from Heifer Int'l or choose from one of a dozen other great non-profit organizations to give a gift from! This is really one gift that will have a positive impact on the world (and one size fits all!).

We had many interested people come by our booth and try out the chess and checkers sets. Black and white playing pieces are defined with the white ones having a little 'knobby' bit at the top of each piece. The black squares are raised so that you can tell how many squares you are moving. Several children came up and tried it, quickly catching on to the different shapes for the different playing pieces and how the game is played if you can't see.

Thanks to Eastshore Unitarian for hosting this important and fun event. Also, thank you to all of the donors who contributed to the success of our BVI Chess and Checkers games sets!

-Rob Rose