For over 60 years, LEGO blocks have provided hours of entertainment and constructive playtime to generations of kids and their parents. LEGO was also one of the first inductees into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 1998, lauded by the nomination committee as an “ideal toy, one that proves how children are not simply passive sponges soaking up impressions.”
Like millions of other kids, I found an important creative outlet in LEGO. LEGO kits even allowed me to tie into the television shows I was fond of watching on TV. For example, I built a Love Boat out of the plastic bricks and had it make a cameo appearance at a Tinkertoy version of Moon Base Alpha from Space 1999. I honestly can’t recall if Charo was the musical guest in the Acapulco Lounge at the time, but I’m willing to bet that she was.
Anyway, I was intrigued when I discovered Creations for Charity, an annual fundraising event that provides new LEGO building sets to underprivileged children during the holidays. Rather than simply requesting donations of the toy, money is raised through the sale of custom LEGO creations made by enthusiasts from all over the world.
Now in its sixth year, the event was founded by Nannan Zhang in 2009 as a “unique and meaningful way to give to charity.” Last year, Creations for Charity raised over $8,500 and donated more than $20,000 worth of LEGO building sets to children in six cities across three countries. I took the opportunity to purchase two sets of items from the event, including a miniature version of one of my favourite toys – the Marvin Glass-inspired Rock ‘em Sock ‘em Robots.
The event runs through November 30th with all donated items available for sale at the following online store.
