A week-long fundraising event in Chicago benefiting underprivileged children in Nairobi, Kenya, concluded with great success. The initiative was led by Bridge to the Future in partnership with Chess Through Challenges, a student-led (501)(c)(3) nonprofit that endeavors to uplift underprivileged youth using chess as an educational tool and a social venue.
From October 4 to October 8, volunteers sold handmade crafts, including custom-designed blankets, kitchen towels, and backpack tags, created by students at Salama Gachie Community School in Nairobi, Kenya. The items were showcased and sold at several Chicago locations, including the University of Chicago campus and the University’s Laboratory Schools (K–12). In total, the collaboration raised $300, all of which has already gone to support educational programs for the Salama Gachie students.
The event sparked heartfelt reactions from buyers and volunteers alike. One young buyer, after purchasing a blanket, shared:
“When I sleep with my blanket, I feel like I can smell the air from Kenya. I hope the kids there know how special their work is.”
Several college students and community members also expressed interest in volunteering with both organizations, eager to contribute to their shared mission of building bridges between youth communities across continents.
“Our goal was not just to raise funds, but to connect people,” Bella Li, the vice president and co-founder of Bridge to the Future said. “It was extremely valuable to see how these handmade crafts created a tangible sense of global friendship.”