Spin Master, in partnership with Save the Children, has completed its 15th mission for the Toy Movement. The latest adventure in the name of bringing the joy of play to kids in challenged parts of the world included new toys and Gund teddy bears being delivered to kids in Kenya. Toy Movement previously completed missions in Mexico, Israel, Jordan, Turkey, South Africa, Nicaragua, and Iraq.
“Our goal for the Toy Movement is to help kids be kids, no matter where they live,” says Ronnen Harary, co-chief executive officer at Spin Master. “Children are great equalizers, full of an abundance of imagination, spirit, and innocence. Unfortunately, children faced with conflict or war are being deprived of the basic benefits and joy of play, negatively impacting their lives and generations to come. Through the Toy Movement, we can ensure these children have the chance to experience the joy of play.”
Executive leaders and employees from Spin Master delivered more than 50,000 toys and Gund teddy bears to the Dadaab refugee camp in rural Kenya. The items were distributed to children living in the camp and host communities.
“This was an emotional and heart-wrenching journey to the Dadaab refugee camp for the Spin Master team members and the Save the Children staff,” adds Anton Rabie, co-chief executive officer at Spin Master. “While on the ground in Kenya, we witnessed the complexities of life for children living in these camps. Subjected to violence, hunger, and many other threats, these children don’t have much opportunity to experience the joy of play. Many have never seen or received a toy, and it was a truly magical moment to see the smile on their faces amidst such harsh conditions.”
The Toy Movement partnership with Save the Children is also addressing a critical gap in services for children affected by crisis by providing “Child Friendly Spaces” that allow children to learn, play, and recover from the trauma they have experienced in a safe environment.
Toymakers wishing to get involved and take part in the Toy Movement can learn more at the official site.
