Mattel will also match employee donations and give the proceeds of a special retailer sales programme in Europe to charities supporting families from Ukraine.

The company has released the following statement:

“Mattel stands with the Ukrainian people and we are devastated and saddened by the impact the war is having on innocent children and families.

Guided by our purpose to empower the next generation to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential, Mattel will contribute $1m in toys and cash donations to support organizations on the front lines aiding refugee children and families from Ukraine. These include Save the Children and Polish local charities SOS Children’s Villages and Caritas Polska.

Mattel is also matching 100% of all employee donations globally to Save the Children for their work in Ukraine. We have witnessed inspiring volunteer efforts from Mattel employees, such as assembling and delivering kits filled with necessities and toys to local organizations, offering their own homes as shelter and delivering food to those impacted.

Over the coming weeks, Mattel will launch a special retailer sales programme in Europe, with 100% of the proceeds of key products to be donated to other charities in neighboring countries including Poland and Czech Republic.

At Mattel, we have a meaningful role in providing access to play and supporting children in need during this difficult time. We hope for a quick and peaceful resolution on behalf of all those who are suffering.”

Writing on LinkedIn, managing director, Mattel EMEA, Sanjay Luthra shared the initiative and added: “Like many, I have been shocked, saddened and, at many times, lost for words by the war in Ukraine and the impact it’s having on innocent children and families. I have Ukrainian friends, employees and partners this invasion directly affects, but as leader of the Mattel EMEA organisation, I also feel the collective pain that witnessing this humanitarian crisis unfold, brings to all of us working in the region. We stand with the people of Ukraine and whilst no effort feels like it can ever be enough, at Mattel we know we have a meaningful role in providing access to play and supporting children in need during this difficult time. We hope for a quick and peaceful resolution on behalf of all those who are suffering.”