Exhibitors donated “the most toys ever” to Toy Fair’s official charity partner via its annual ‘Trolley Dash’ which took place at the end of the show.
The charity partner, Kids in Mind, had over 50 volunteers scurrying up and down the aisles collecting over 6,000 toys and games.
Kids in Mind helps children who have been victims of abuse and forced to flee their homes for refuge. The diverse range of products go directly to those who are experiencing a traumatic period in their young lives.
Last year, Kids in Mind distributed almost 3,500 toy boxes to children in need, each box containing 10 brand new toys, bringing joy to thousands of displaced children and providing loose toys to disadvantaged children facing various challenges such as poverty, disability, sickness, or other disadvantages. The items donated by Toy Fair exhibitors this year will contribute to this support, bringing a glimpse of happiness and distraction to vulnerable children at a time when it is most needed.
Julian Margolin MBE, Kids in Mind CEO, said: “We were overjoyed and overwhelmed by the level of support shown by the industry at this year’s Toy Fair Trolley Dash. We are so grateful for the incredible amount of product gifted to the charity, which will contribute immensely to bringing a smile to so many children’s faces at an extremely difficult and painful time in their young lives. We would like to express our huge appreciation to the exhibitors who so generously donated their stock, but also the BTHA, as well as the volunteers and unseen heroes supporting with trolleys and transport, Tesco, and Marks and Spencer.”
The first lorry load of product from the Trolley Dash was delivered to one of the Kids in Mind partners, Life Church.
Rob Hutcheson, general manager at Life Church, said: “We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the toys donated through the London Toy Fair. Life Church is based in one of the most deprived areas of the UK and in the third most deprived ward within the city of Bradford.
The majority of our families are coming from a refuge situation or will be single women who find themselves in an extreme situation with their children. The impact of the generosity from each of the toy companies involved in this donation goes beyond simple kindness and charity. When we hand these toys over, they are received as a message that the child matters, they are seen, and that you care. Thank you in this instance doesn’t sufficiently express our gratitude. But our sincerest thanks is what we give. On behalf of the families, we have the privilege to work with – thank you.”
Majen Immink, director of Toy Fair, said: “We are extremely pleased to have partnered with Kids in Mind for the first time on this wonderful annual charitable initiative. The staff and volunteers are highly motivated and efficiently sped round the halls collecting in the thousands of products which ultimately will go directly to help spread joy to children in desperate situations. We are so grateful for the support of our exhibitors who continue to give so generously; it’s fantastic to be able to partner with a charity that works directly with children in need of support.”
