Collecting new toys for children in extreme poverty
Operations Director, Megan Eighteen and team at Location Location are no strangers to fundraising for their local community. The Winter Toy Appeal which collects new toys for children in extreme poverty is marking its 10th anniversary.
The appeal, run by the Local Buyers Club in partnership with Location Location estate agency, typically reaches around 5,000 children in North and East London – children who would be unlikely to receive a new gift otherwise.
Jenna Fansa, co-founder of the Local Buyers Club, launched the appeal with her husband Basil when their son was a baby. She said: “When you run charitable appeals like this it’s natural to hope that one day things will improve and the need will go down – sadly that hasn’t been the case. Year on year since we launched, the agencies which refer to us have more children who meet the criteria for a gift.
“We know from the likes of Hackney Foodbank that poverty is worsening in Hackney – that parents go hungry so their children can eat and that the heating stays off even throughout the coldest months. We cannot bear the thought that for some children poverty is threatening to chip away at the magic of Christmas. A sense of fairness and equality sets in at a very early age – I’d urge everyone who can to donate.”
For many children, this is the only toy they’ll receive at Christmas
Among the agencies who distribute toys for the appeal are Hackney and Haringey councils, children’s centres, schools, food banks and refuges. People can buy toys online via the Appeal Wish Lists or donate in person at Location Location estate agency (new toys only please).
Money raised via a GoFundMe page is spent directly with independent toy shops in London – generating more than £40,000 of trade for small shops in Stoke Newington, Victoria Park and Haringey over the past two years.
Supporters are urged to spend around £15 on a gift – for many children, this is the only toy they’ll receive at Christmas and organisers are keen to ensure gifts are roughly of equal value and feel substantial and special.
Vicky Bibiris, MD at Location Location, added:“As we mark the Winter Toy Appeal’s 10th anniversary, it highlights the ongoing challenges faced by families in need. Now, more than ever, let’s join forces to ensure every child experiences the magic of Christmas. Every contribution makes a real difference. Cheers to a decade of spreading joy!”
How to donate
– You can buy toys at Stoke Newington Toy Shop (tell them it’s for the Toy Appeal and you’ll receive 20% off) – please leave them in the store for the team to collect.
– Order online via the Toy Appeal Wish lists (toys will be delivered directly to the appeal) To learn more and support the appeal, visit www.wintertoyappeal.com
Agents Giving and The Guild of Property Professionals are delighted to support the Winter Toy Appeal.
