NEWS

Join the Toy Trust’s Around the World in 80 Hours fundraising event

Published on: 10th May 2021

Don’t forget to sign up to the fundraising event in June which will see the toy industry attempting to circumnavigate the globe in 80 hours.

The Toy Trust is looking to recruit as many people as possible from across the industry in its brand-new initiative for 2021 – Around the World in 80 Hours. 

The event will kick off at 9am on Friday 11th June, and is free of charge to join.

Companies already signed up to take part include Vtech, The Entertainer, Hasbro, Mattel, John Adams, Generation Media, Jazwares, Rainbow Designs plus many others from around the industry.

Circumnavigating the globe means covering a massive 40,075km, and the challenge is to achieve this collectively in 80 hours, by any non-motorised means. Individuals simply need to register their name, email and company at https://www.toytrust.co.uk/around-the-world-in-80-hours/ and will receive an email confirmation to join the event on exercise tracking app Strava, which is being used to help participants record their distances covered across the event.

The most important thing for the Toy Trust is seeing as many people as possible from across the industry get involved in this localised virtual event, and the organisers are urging people to sign up now.

“We’re expecting to see a host of examples of the industry’s creativity and initiative, as individuals and companies get involved with fancy-dress or unusual means of transport,” Matt Jones, head of digital & Toy Trust services at the BTHA, told Toy World. “No motors are allowed, but participants can use any other means of their choosing, such as riding a tandem bike or taking part on horseback. Traditional methods including walking, running, cycling and swimming are also encouraged; in fact, all ideas for completing the task are welcomed and participants can complete distances by a mixture of disciplines over the 80-hour period.”

Participants are encouraged to set up an individual or team fundraising page via the Toy Trust’s Around the World in 80 Hours campaign here – simply click on ‘start fundraising’.

Despite the extraordinary challenges of 2020, last year saw the Toy Trust donate over £100,000 to help kids and their families. 2021 fundraising efforts got off to a great start in January, with the traditional Media Auction, when generous bids from companies within the toy industry saw a magnificent £72,000 raised. The Toy Trust has firmly pledged to continue its support for UK children’s charities, many of whom have seen their income severely impacted and, in some cases, completely depleted during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The UK based children’s charities that will benefit from the latest fundraising event both provide essential mobility to children who would otherwise not have access due to long NHS waiting lists. Funds will provide specialised trikes, bikes, wheelchairs and walking aids as well as other important mobility apparatus for deserving children. You can read more about the amazing work of myAFK here and of Handicapped Children’s Action Group (HCAG) here.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available, with options incuding association with the event hosted on Strava and a company logo on all event advertising and promotion. The Toy Trust can also discuss creating a bespoke package for sponsors.

Please contact Matt@btha.co.uk to find out more.

 

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