UK toy industry charity The Toy Trust has expressed ‘shock and dismay’ at the unfolding conflict in Ukraine and The Toy Trust Committee wants to respond rapidly and practically to the crisis, which has displaced millions of families, including children.
The Toy Trust has pledged to donate £10,000 via one of its trusted, long-standing emergency relief charities: Samaritan’s Purse, that works to provide support and relief to those caught up in crises. Samaritan’s Purse will supply emergency backpacks, which will include essential items such as hygiene items, blankets, and basic necessities, for refugees from Ukraine who are fleeing the conflict.
Paul Stockwell, UK director of fundraising at Samaritan’s Purse, commented, “Our thanks go to the Toy Trust for the very generous gift of £10,000 towards supporting those who have fled the terrible conflict in Ukraine.
“Ukrainian children and their families who have sought safe haven only have what they could carry. This gift will be used to provide backpacks of hope that contain hygiene products and blankets to Ukrainian refugees, many of whom are traumatised by their experiences, and this gesture of care will make all the difference to them.”
The Toy Trust committee chairman Graham Canning said: “One of the main functions of The Toy Trust is to provide emergency aid in any crisis involving children, and this is a time when we believe our support is needed to help the many families whose lives have been turned upside down. Our support, via the Samaritan’s Purse emergency backpack initiative, will provide urgent help on the ground to those refugees who need them.”
The Toy Trust is aware that members of the toy industry may already be providing their own responses to the crisis but for any companies or individuals who wish to pledge their support, they can do so via The Toy Trust. It said it will continue to monitor the situation and may provide further support, once more is known on how best support can be given. Any donations to the Toy Trust received specifically for the Ukraine crisis will be ring-fenced and distributed accordingly, as soon as possible, once more is known on how best to direct support for children and families in the region.
