Iraq

The Toy Movement and Save the Children teamed up to deliver 91,096 toys to 40,000 children in ten refugee and internally displaced persons camps across Northern Iraq. At the Gawilan refugee camp in Dohuk Governorate, Ronnen Harary, Spin Master’s Co-CEO and Bill Chambers, President and CEO of Save the Children, helped distribute toys.

"The Toy Movement’s mission is to deliver inspiration, imagination and joy to children living in troubled parts of the world," said Ronnen Harary, Spin Master’s Co-Chief Executive Officer. "It is one thing to send toys, but it's entirely different to see first-hand how these families are living. It was an extremely eye-opening experience, and it's very important we bring awareness to these devastating situations. Through our partnership with the incredible organization, Save the Children, the Toy Movement aims to show these children that they are not alone, that they are not forgotten, and that they deserve to play, learn and grow – as all children should." -Ronnen Harary, Spin Master's Co-Chief Executive Officer

"The right to play is fundamental for every child's learning and development. But sadly, in many countries like Syria and Iraq, where war has destroyed the intrinsic layers that usually support children, access to something as simple as a toy can be non-existent. Our partnership with Spin Master and the Toy Movement initiative will give children affected by conflict, in some of the hardest-to-reach places, the chance to play, have fun and just be children again." -Bill Chambers, President and CEO of Save the Children

Save the Children has been working with families, communities and local authorities in Iraq since 1991. The aid agency is currently responding to the needs of internally displaced Iraqi people and Syrian refugees in camps and non-camp settings providing Child Protection, Education, Food, Shelter and Water Sanitation and Hygiene programs.

Stemming from the Toy Movement – Iraq Mission, The Toy Movement plans to leverage its acquisition of the iconic GUND portfolio of toys to deliver 500,000 GUND teddy bears to 500,000 children in 2018.

China

The Toy Movement partnered with Save the Children Canada to bring more than 20,000 toys to children in need in China. In China, children’s mental health and well-being has been challenged by rapid urbanization, digital transformation and large-scale population movements leading to changes in family structures. In urban areas, working parents often spend little time with their children. In rural communities, many “left-behind children” are raised by grandparents while their parents work in cities. Through this project, we were able to play a key role in building mental health support systems crucial to responding to children’s emotional and developmental needs.

Zimbabwe

In partnership with World Vision Canada, The Toy Movement reached 12,160 children in Zimbabwe by bringing toys into classrooms across the country. Teachers observed improved attendance, attitudes, and confidence as lessons in math, science, and reading came to life through play. Through independent and group activities, children built social skills, cooperation, and self-confidence while rediscovering the joy of learning.

Zambia

In partnership with World Vision Canada, The Toy Movement reached 10,244 children in Zambia by delivering educational toys to schools across the country. Teachers reported decreased absenteeism as children became more excited to attend classes that now include hands-on, playful learning. Games, puzzles, and sports equipment helped students develop problem-solving skills, coordination, teamwork, and cooperation—turning learning into an engaging and joyful experience.