Press release -
BTHA continues partnership with KidsOut for Toy Fair 2018
The British Toy and Hobby Association is proud to announce KidsOut as the official charity for Toy Fair 2018. This will be the third year in succession that the children’s charity will host the annual Trolley Dash at the show. The Trolley Dash event takes place at the end of Toy Fair, where volunteers from KidsOut travel through the aisles with empty shopping trolleys, encouraging exhibitors to generously donate toys from their stands.
KidsOut works with Women’s Aid Federation refuges across the UK to provide positive experiences to children who have escaped domestic abuse, including fun days out and toys for playrooms. The toys gathered during the Toy Fair Trolley Dash are either sent to refuge homes playrooms or to rehomed children directly through the KidsOut Toy Box initiative.
“We are very proud to welcome back KidsOut as our official charity partner for 2018,” said Majen Immink, Head of Toy Fair Operations and Sales. “The Trolley Dash has become a real highlight of the show and we are extremely appreciative of the kindness shown by our exhibitors and hope that as many as possible are once again able to donate to this fantastic cause.”
More than 4,000 toys were collected in the Trolley Dash at Toy Fair 2017, and the BTHA and KidsOut hope to make an even bigger impact this year. “We are delighted to be invited to be part of the Toy Fair again,” said Sandra Doherty, head of children’s services at KidsOut. “With the support of the industry, we have managed to send a box of toys to hundreds more vulnerable children. We are also planning on giving a toy for every child in refuge this Christmas.”
The tremendous success of the KidsOut Trolley Dash could not be possible without the help of companies that exhibit at Toy Fair. “It is a testament to the Toy Fair exhibitors that they are able to support us again and help make a difference to the lives of children less fortunate than our own,” said Sandra Doherty. “We have been amazed by the support of the fantastic team involved in organizing this event!”
Majen Immink added, “KidsOut is a hard-working and worthwhile charity that is committed to bringing fun and excitement into the lives of disadvantaged children. They want every child to experience their childhood, and if we can help play a small part in that through the donation of toys then we are pleased to do our part.”
To register for a free pass to Toy Fair simply visit www.toyfair.co.uk.
Follow the latest Toy Fair news on Twitter at @toyfairuk. For operations and sponsorship enquiries, please contact Majen@btha.co.uk
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About Toy Fair
Toy Fair is the UK’s largest dedicated toy, game and hobby trade exhibition taking place at Olympia London. The event takes place over three days at the end of January each year and plays host to hundreds of exhibitors, from startups to some of the biggest toy companies, launching thousands of new toy lines.
Toy Fair 2018 takes place from Tuesday 23 – Thursday 25 January. Press day is Tuesday 23 January. To register for a press pass, visit www.toyfair.co.uk.
Please note the opening times are 09:00-18:00 Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24, and 09:00-17:30 Thursday 25 January.
About the BTHA
The British Toy & Hobby Association was established in 1944 to represent the interests of British toy manufacturers and to raise standards of practice in the industry. Today it has around 125 members ranging from international toy giants to small family-run businesses that together account for more than 80% of the UK toy market. Membership of the British Toy & Hobby Association shows the member’s commitment to adhere to the BTHA Code of Practice under the umbrella of the Lion Mark which includes assurances covering ethical and safe manufacture of toys, toy safety, a ban on counterfeit goods, an assurance to market responsibly, a commitment to improving sustainability and a desire to promote the value of all play through support of the Make Time 2 Play campaign and the design of fun toys. Our members are manufacturers committed to making good quality toys in a responsible way. The BTHA also administers the Toy Trust - the industry’s charity.
Notes to editors:
For more information please contact
Ravi Vijh or Becky Mullen
Bastion, Unit 4.07, The Tea Building, 56 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JJ
T: +44 (0)20 3841 7660
