The fifth annual Toy Fair Trolley Dash once again marked the end of Toy Fair 2020, with hundreds of exhibitors donating toys during the event.
More than 4,000 toys were collected as volunteers dashed around the stands with trolleys to be filled for Toy Fair’s charity partner, KidsOut. More than 60 KidsOut staff and volunteers passed through the aisles of the show with shopping trolleys, kindly donated by Tesco, to gather as many toys as they could from exhibitors large and small.
The generously donated toys will be collected and sent to disadvantaged children via the KidsOut Toy Box service. Toy Box ensures that those children who are rehomed after spending time in a Women’s Aid refuge receive a brand new box of toys to call their own. These children are often relocated with very few possessions, to an area away from family and friends, so the Toy Box can help to provide a sense of normality and happiness in their lives.
Julian Margolin, chief ambassador of KidsOut, commented: “We were once again delighted at the ongoing generosity of the toy industry for the trolley dash. With over 4,000 toys donated, we will be able to provide hundreds of toy boxes to children in refuge all over the UK. Many of the toys have already been audited and earmarked for delivery. KidsOut couldn’t provide this service without the incredible support of the BTHA and Olympia teams, Marks and Spencer for the lorry, Tesco for the trolleys and the volunteers who give up their time to help. So thanks to the industry and all involved for helping to make kids happy. We look forward to seeing you all next year.”
The British Toy & Hobby Association’s director of Fairs & Special Events, Majen Immink, added: “After 16 years, the Trolley Dash feels like the only way to end Toy Fair. It is a lovely sight to see how generous those exhibiting at the fair are as we see the full trolleys coming out off the show floor. It’s lovely to be able to donate such a large number of toys to disadvantaged children each year. A big thank you to all of our exhibitors who kindly donate to this great cause year after year, and to KidsOut which once again performed a great job in orchestrating the event.”
Toy Fair 2021 will take place between 19th-21st January in the Grand Hall, Grand Gallery, National Hall and National Gallery, at Olympia London. Applications for Toy Fair 2021 are open here.
