The Toy Foundation Discusses Aid for Ukrainian Children on Power Kid Podcast
April 8, 2022 | The Toy Foundation’s Executive Director Pamela Mastrota and Chair of the Board Andy Weiner joined the Power Kid Podcast this week to discuss the Foundation’s current relief efforts to support Ukrainian children and families.
Speaking with host Phil Albritton of Power Kid Design, Mastrota and Weiner discussed the emotional support that play and toys are providing children impacted by the war in Ukraine and how The Toy Foundation is working to rally the North American toy industry to lend aid. To date, through the generous donations of the global play community and Hassenfeld Family Initiatives, TTF’s Ukrainian relief fund has raised more than $2.8 million in monetary and product donations.
Discussing an earlier conversation Mastrota had with Ukrainian Toy Industry Association President Pavel Ovchynnikov, she said, “When we talked about toys and product, and cash donations, the needs are immediate, primarily for medical also along with food and shelter as people move into refugee camps.”
The conversation also covered the overall work of The Toy Foundation, the importance of play, and the developmental benefits of play for families everywhere.
“We are so committed to ensuring that we can give children all over the globe access to play,” added Mastrota. “And we are excited to be able to partner with the industry and continue to share our vision and mission to support children and allow them to experience play.”
Toy professionals are invited to listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Anchor, Amazon, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and other platforms. The “Power Kid Podcast” is presented by The Toy Book Podcasts by Adventure Media and Events.
For more information about The Toy Foundation and its relief efforts, visit toyfoundation.org.