#United States #Asheville #Hurricane Helene #Meeples for the Mountains #Board Games

Board Game Industry Unites for Hurricane Helene Relief

In light of the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene, which recorded over 200 fatalities and left countless families homeless, the board game industry has stepped up in an extraordinary way. Under the initiative named Meeples for the Mountains, industry players have come together to provide support and solidarity for those affected by the disaster.

A Meaningful Movement

Meeples for the Mountains is a grassroots campaign, spearheaded by key players like BinkInc and Well Played Board Game Café. This initiative has allied with prominent board game publishers and local charities to deliver a message much larger than just board games—it’s a campaign that embodies hope, relief, and the spirit of community.

Hannah Bink, Principal at BinkInc and campaign coordinator, expressed the essence of this movement: “Meeples for the Mountains is more than a campaign—it's a movement to bring hope and healing to families who've lost so much.” Through the combined efforts of various partners, hundreds of board games have been collected to provide a source of joy during a season that could otherwise be marked by sadness and loss.

The Scale of Devastation

Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across the southeastern United States, especially impacting North Carolina where it accounted for over half of the casualties and left approximately 2,300 structures uninhabitable. The estimated damages have reached a staggering $53 billion, pointing to the significant urgency of support needed in these communities.

Recognizing the profound emotional toll of such disasters, Meeples for the Mountains focuses on the importance of play in recovery. Board games are not just gifts, they represent moments of laughter and togetherness, a vital aspect for families working to rebuild their lives.

Community Engagement

Asheville, North Carolina, is the heart of this collection effort. Well Played Board Game Café serves as the primary hub, alongside several collection sites throughout the state including local businesses like Sparky's Toys & Gifts and Victory Point Game Store. Other local charities, such as Beloved Asheville and United Way of Rutherford County, are crucial in ensuring that these distributions reach families who need them the most.

Adrienne Sigmon, Co-Director at Beloved Asheville, shared insight into the campaign’s impact: “These board games represent moments of joy, laughter, and healing for families who have endured so much.” Her words underscore the essence of community and togetherness during challenging times.

National Involvement

The campaign has gained recognition at a national level, particularly through the support of Gen Con, North America's largest tabletop gaming convention. By endorsing Meeples for the Mountains, Gen Con is amplifying the message and encouraging participants nationwide to be part of this extraordinary relief effort.

Dani Kennedy, Marketing & Community Development Manager for Gen Con, highlighted this collaboration: “The tabletop community has always been about bringing people together, and Meeples for the Mountains exemplifies that spirit.” This acknowledgment reflects the core values of community within the board gaming space.

How to Help

The Meeples for the Mountains initiative will continue until December 14, 2024, inviting everyone to participate. Here’s how you can contribute:

• - Donate Board Games: New, unwrapped board games can be dropped off at any collection site.
• - Shop the Wishlist: Individuals can also contribute via the campaign’s online wishlist at meeplesforthemountains.com/donate-a-board-game.

Conclusion

Meeples for the Mountains demonstrates the powerful impact of unity and kindness. By engaging the community through the love of board games, this initiative not only provides relief in tangible terms but also cultivates a sense of hope and healing for families grappling with the aftereffects of Hurricane Helene. For more information on how to help or donate, visit meeplesforthemountains.com.