Alongside the rest of the world, The Toy Trust has been shocked and dismayed by the unfolding conflict in Ukraine and the committee has wanted to respond rapidly and practically to the unfolding crisis in Ukraine, which has displaced many millions of families including children.
The Toy Trust has pledged to donate £10,000 via one of its trusted, long-standing emergency relief charities – Samaritan’s Purse, which works to provide support and relief to those caught up in crises such as that which is taking place in Ukraine.
Samaritan’s Purse will provide emergency ‘backpacks’ for refugees from Ukraine who are fleeing the conflict and who have had to leave their homes and belongings behind. The emergency backpacks will provide essential items including hygiene items, blankets and basic necessities.
“Our thanks go to the Toy Trust for the very generous gift of £10,000 towards supporting those who have fled the terrible conflict in Ukraine,” commented Paul Stockwell, UK director of fundraising at Samaritan’s Purse. “Ukrainian children and their families who have sought safe haven only have what they could carry.
“This gift will be used to provide backpacks of hope that contain hygiene products and blankets to Ukrainian refugees, many who are traumatised by their experiences and this gesture of care will make all the difference to them.”
Graham Canning, chairman of the Toy Trust committee, added: “One of the main functions of The Toy Trust is to provide emergency aid in any crisis involving children, and this is a time when we believe our support is needed to help the many families whose lives have been turned upside down.
“Our support, via Samaritan’s Purse’s emergency backpack initiative, we believe will provide urgent help on the ground to those refugees who need them.”
The Toy Trust is aware that those around the industry may already be providing their own response to the crisis, but for any companies or individuals who wish to pledge their support they can do so via The Toy Trust.
The Toy Trust will continue to monitor the situation and may provide further support for those disaffected once more is known on how best support can be given. Any donations to the Toy Trust received specifically for the Ukraine crisis will be ring fenced and distributed accordingly, as soon as possible, and once more is known on how best to direct our support for children and families in the region. For more information you can contact Matt Jones by clicking here.
