Children in Hackney have raised more than £1,600 for impoverished children by taking part in a sponsored fundraiser to raise money for the Winter Toy Appeal.
The Toy Appeal is organised annually by the Local Buyers Club, an organisation aimed at supporting independent businesses. They buy toys to make sure 4,000 children experiencing extreme poverty will have something new to open during the holidays.
8 year old Ben Boyt from Stoke Newington organised the fundraiser which took place on Sunday 15 November with nearly 50 children, some from Rosemary Works School and Yoakley Road taking part.
Ben’s mum, Kathryn said that they had supported the Winter Toy Appeal since it began and that “although it is easy to live in a bubble as there is so much to worry about during COVID-19, it is also important to remember the children who live in poorer places”.
They raised money by doing whichever activity they liked from running to scooting, bouncing on a trampoline and reading while wearing a Christmas jumper to show their support.
“Ben was really excited to see how quickly a small idea can grow”, said Ms Boyt, adding that it was a “brilliant thing to do”.
Jenna Fansa from the Local Buyers Club said that: “Ben’s idea is a massive help as that will mean we can buy 100 more presents”.
“We are desperate for donations of new toys for children in need this year as the pandemic is making things harder than ever. But we are determined to make sure no child goes without”, she added.
Last year the Winter Toy Appeal distributed toys to 4,000 children in Hackney, Islington, Tower Hamlets and Haringey via a network of social workers, schools, children’s centres, food banks, hostels and refuges.
To take part you can either buy gifts online via a special wish list or donate to the Go Fund Me page
The Local Buyers Club is also offering to donate £5 to the Toy Appeal for every new member.
https://www.localbuyersclub.com/single-post/please-get-behind-the-winter-toy-appeal
