A nonprofit based in Canton provides education for students living in poverty overseas. Now, the charity is getting a unique gift to send to those children thanks to a couple in Sioux Falls.
“We've always felt that we've been blessed, so we can turn around and be a blessing to others,” says Tom Gage.
Tom and his wife, Pamela, are donating 40 chess sets to two schools in Africa. The schools are run by a local nonprofit, Adams Thermal Foundation. Combined, there's a total of 900 students.
“They're the poorest of the poor in southern Ethiopia. We have a lot of folks in the community engaged with the schools,” says Foundation President Mike Adams.
Tom and Pamela say this gift was actually inspired by a Disney movie called Queen of Katwe. In the movie, a girl from Uganda living in poverty becomes an international chess champion.
“This would be a great second choice from children other than the traditional soccer over there. It's a great mind game,” Tom explains.
The foundation says this donation will help students learn.
“We think a lot of the benefits will be learning and no matter what grade they are they can learn academically from that kind of experience and exposure,” Mike says.
The Gages have traveled all the way to Ethiopia to visit the schools. They say they're happy to help kids who are so appreciative to have something as simple as a new game.
“Children over there, they have nothing and they're so grateful and so willing to learn. It’s very moving,” Tom adds.
The Gages say if the schools end up needing additional chess sets to give to students, they’ll be happy to donate more. Read more hre
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