Children’s charity Barnardo’s has teamed up with Argos for their annual Toy Exchange campaign for Christmas. A study done to launch the appeal found that children nowadays have 69 per cent more toys than their parents did, but play with less than half of the toys in their collection. Over 70 per cent of parents donate these unwanted toys to charity, so the Toy Exchange is a great way to have a clear out while supporting a hugely worthwhile cause.
Denise Van Outen, who helped to launch the campaign, said: “The Argos Toy Exchange is a fantastic initiative! Being a mum myself I know how important it is that children have toys, not only to enjoy but also to help them learn and develop. As we start to think about Christmas it is the perfect time to help those in need. I urge families across the UK to get out to their closest Argos store and donate their unwanted toys.”
Gerard Cousins, Barnardo's Director of Retail, said: “After the success of last year’s Toy Exchange, we are really excited about the potential that this year’s campaign holds and are delighted to be partnering with Argos again. The initiative works well for us but its beauty lies in the fact that the concept is so simple. All customers have to do to help the most disadvantaged children in society is donate their pre-loved toys”.
Amy Whidburn, Head of Corporate Responsibility for Argos, said: “Last year’s Toy Exchange raised hundreds of thousands of pounds in toy donations. We are looking to build on this success by setting an even higher fundraising target of £1 million this year."
Supporters can drop off unwanted toys at Argos stores in return for a £5 voucher towards the cost of new toys (on a minimum £35 spend), to be redeemed by 24 December. Donated toys are then passed onto Barnardo’s retail outlets where they are resold to raise funds for the charity. The charity’s stores across the UK will also be accepting toys on behalf of Argos and distributing £5 vouchers to those who donate.
For more information about the Barnardo's Argos Toy Exchange, visit the Argos or Barnardo's websites.
