The funds raised will allow 65 disabled and poorly children, and their siblings, to enjoy a week-long activity camp.
Last Saturday’s Big Challenge event saw 200 industry professionals walk, run, swim and cycle for the Toy Trust in a bid to raise £200,000 towards this year’s theme, Giving the Gift of Play.
As a result of Saturday’s fundraising, the Toy Trust will be able to provide a week-long activity camp for 65 profoundly disabled and poorly children and their siblings in partnership with the charity Over The Wall.
Over The Wall camps allow children to play and have fun in a range of recreational and educational activities, completely free of charge. Campers are encouraged to reach beyond the perceived limitations of their illness or disability and rediscover a whole world of possibilities, helping to build their confidence, self-esteem, coping strategies and peer relationships.
The Toy Trust Health Challenge Camp will take place from 27th August to 1st September 2018.
The event also saw the grand draw for the Toy Trust Big Raffle, which offered a number of ‘money can’t buy’ prizes donated from the industry. Prizes included a trip to Disneyland Paris and Legoland Billund, and return flights to New York to name but a few. The Raffle is hoped to have raised nearly £20,000 for the Toy Trust through ticket sales. Thanks are given to the following companies for their generous prize donations; Hasbro UK, Disney UK & Ireland, Lego, Spin Master, Nickelodeon UK, Evolution PR, Character Options, Flair Leisure Products, MGA Entertainment, MV Sports and Golden Bear Products.
Toy Trust chair Foye Pascoe commented: “The Toy Trust Big Challenge continues to be a fantastic annual event that unites people from all corners of the toy industry to generate amazing amounts of money for the children’s charities that we support across the year. It is fantastic to see toymakers, licensors and retailers all pulling together for such a brilliant cause. Thank you to everyone who supported the event; either participating, stewarding or donating to the overall result – your contribution highlights what a big-hearted, philanthropic industry we are.”
As well as the efforts of the athletes, the total was achieved with the support of the event sponsor Generation Media.
Details of the 2019 event will be released shortly, and the organisers hope that even more companies will attend to help enable the Toy Trust to continue supporting so many disadvantaged children. To register interest in the work of the Toy Trust or Toy Trust events please email Matt Jones – matt@btha.co.uk.
