ToyAid, the charitable initiative set up by Joel Silverman and Richard North, has raised £143,075 as part of Global’s Make Some Noise – the registered charity of Global Media Group.

The ToyAid movement was founded to raise money for charities that support disadvantaged children, young people and their families – those who have been most vulnerable during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Founders Joel Silverman and Richard North say they have seen a great deal of support from friends and colleague across the toy and licensing industry, with companies pledging support via monies from the sale of ‘Toy Aid-able’ toys, video games and entertainment products, as well as licensing fees and business services.   

Silverman says: “There are so many individual thank yous that myself and Richard wish to make – hopefully in person in the not too distant future! And special thanks must also go to Ian Downes, Tracey Richardson and Norton PR who all stepped up to show their support from the outset, but of course the biggest thank you goes to every single company that has donated money and products to this amazing cause, in no particular order: Smyths Toys Superstore, SEGA, Playmobil, Tomy, Spin Master, ViacomCBS, Ravensburger, Golden Bear, Epoch making toys, Rubies, Plum Products, Rubik’s, Interplay, KidKreations, Canal Toys, WickedVision, Topps, Winning Moves, Big Potato Games, Retail Monster, Dr Zigs and Products of Change.  

“Now ToyAid is complete, I really hope everyone has positive times ahead and the toy industry as a whole is remembered for the support they gave in a time of need for many families. I never in my wildest dreams thought this would reach £10,000 so to raise over £140,000 is just fantastic.”