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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Canadian Toy Association Comes
To the Aid of Salvation Army
Toronto—The toy industry in Canada has stepped up to assist the Salvation Army with a donation of $196,000 in new toys to replace missing toys stolen from its warehouse.
“The holiday season should be a time of joy for every child,” stated Kerry George, chair, Canadian Toy Association. “When we heard about the theft from the Salvation Army, the call went out to CTA member companies and the response, in such a short time, was simply overwhelming!”
The donation made to the Salvation Army’s Toy Mountain toy drive will ensure that 15,000 children in Ontario will have a gift under the tree this holiday season. Ten toy companies—Mattel, Itoys, Kroeger, Hasbro, Crayola, Lego, MGA, Leapfrog, Jakks and Ty Global—were able to respond to the immediate need with shipments from their warehouses. Thomson Terminals donated warehouse space to coordinate the donation and then shipped the toys direct to the Salvation Army where they are being distributed to needy families across southern Ontario.
This CTA contribution to needy children is over and above its own annual toy drive for Toys for the North which has distributed over $250,000 in toys to children in Canada’s far northern communities over the past three years.
--30—
For details or interviews, please contact:
Carol McDonald, CTA Media Relations
905-875-1795 [email protected]
November 2012.
JOINT NEWS ANNOUNCEMENT from
Canadian Toy Association
Santa Claus Parade
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
“TOYS FOR THE NORTH” TOY DRIVE GROWS AGAIN IN YEAR THREE
Toronto—Every holiday season, thousands of Canadian children in the country’s most remote and often poorest communities have few, if any, new toys to unwrap under the tree.
The “Toys for the North” annual toy drive, now in its third year, is trying to make the holidays memorable for thousands of those children. The Canadian Toy Association, the Santa Claus Parade and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) formed a partnership to address this huge need and created a new toy drive--“Toys for the North”. Year one resulted in $50,000 in toy donations, primarily from Canadian Toy Association member companies and the holiday/Christmas season brightened considerably for thousands of often-forgotten children. Last year donations by CTA members increased to $75,000. Additional toys donated by staff at the Toronto Zoo plus personal contributions dropped off at designated RCMP detachment offices and at the Santa Claus Parade’s CHFI on-site drop box brought the total to $80,000.
Toys were delivered by local RCMP personnel, sometimes even by snowmobile, to nearly 12,000 smiling children within their jurisdictions in Nunavut, Yukon and the Northwest Territories.
For 2012, the partner agencies are looking to expand the scope of donations in the north with more toys and newly added communities.
“The Canadian Toy Association is thrilled to be able to announce that this year we are able to increase our donation to $120,000 in toys that will reach Canadian children who need them the most…that’s $250,000 over the past three years!” stated Kerry George, president, Canadian Toy Association. “Our member companies embraced this idea enthusiastically. We all want to let these kids know that there are people who care about them and remember them during the holiday season. We know these toys will go a long way to help stimulate, educate and amuse these children during the long cold winter months.”
More than 75 member companies of the Canadian Toy Association have donated toys for “Toys for the North” through CTA events at Canadian Toy Fair, Hot Toys of Summer and most recently, Hot Toys for the Holidays. In addition, nine members—Lego, MGA Entertainment, Tech 4 Kids, Crayola, Hasbro, K’Nex, Mattel, Spin Master and Schleich--committed to major toy donations ranging from $5,000 to $35,000 in value. The Toronto Zoo is again committing their employee toy donation program to Toys for the North. Last year Toys for the North received a $25,000 donation in holiday wrapping paper from Hallmark which was enough to use last year and this year to make all the gifts festive. Hallmark has also made a donation this year of $5,000 in recordable story books.
In creating this toy drive, the partners determined that although there were many organizations focusing on the needs of children in Canada’s major cities and communities, there were no major efforts to do similar drives for the thousands of children living in Canada’s north.
“It was logical for the Santa Claus Parade to participate,” commented Parade spokesperson Dianne Schwalm. “We are a charitable, volunteer organization. Our floats, bands, clowns and entertainers all try to bring the season’s joy to millions across Canada and around the world every year. Since Santa Claus comes from the North Pole, we are now able to help those children who are closest to him!”
The RCMP provides policing services to many of communities involved this year in Nunavut and Newfoundland/Labrador. They are engaging their network of detachments in distributing the toys collected and have reached out to fellow officers in Newfoundland and Labrador, and in northern Manitoba this year as well.
“Our members serve the communities, in which they live and work, in many significant ways each and every day, whether it is through coaching, teaching, mentoring or other volunteer activities,” explained RCMP Inspector Todd Gilmore. “This is a very satisfying part of our work which we are very proud to do. The Toys for the North program is a very significant venture in which our members can help to serve a great many people across the North.”
Again this year, the Toys for the North were presented to The Hon. Leona Aglukkaq in a ceremony held at the toy warehouse.
“It is an honour to accept this generous donation of toys on behalf of Northerners,” said Minister Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, Minister of CanNor, Minister for Arctic Council and MP for Nunavut. “Despite the distance that separates many Canadians, we come together and are united in spirit, through kind and meaningful gestures such as this.”
Toys being collected have been stored courtesy of Thomson Terminals and will be shipped to communities throughout November and December where the RCMP will take charge of delivery. Air shipments are being made using available space on scheduled RCMP and Canadian Armed Forces planes.
For further details:
Carol McDonald
CTA Media Relations
905-875-1795
[email protected]
November 2012
‘Tis the Season to Build, Imagine and Learn
Toronto—The 10th annual Hot Toys for the Holidays have been launched by the Canadian Toy Association on behalf of the toy industry. A total of 100 toys, predicted by manufacturers to be among the ‘hot’ sellers this holiday season, were showcased at a media event and are now online at www.cdntoyassn.com to make ‘wishlist’ and shopping preparations easy for kids, parents and grandparents.
Several trends are becoming apparent in this year’s toy roster. Construction toys are making a resurgence with the added appeal of licensed properties like Skylanders, Mario Kart, Angry Birds and the perennial favourite Star Wars. Construction targeting girls’ interests made a strong entry into the market last year and is expanding with build-your-own castles, stables and doll houses.
Technology continues to be a very strong component in many toy categories from activity toys to electronics and even preschool. Smart-phone and computer advancements like touch screens, built-in cameras/microphones, downloadable app’s and links to iPads are being incorporated in toys for children of all ages.
Also popular this year will be the ‘classic’ toy names being re-energized and enhanced for the next generation of kids. Making a big comeback are new versions of Furby, Elmo, Tigger and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and several others whose personalities now come alive in new and interactive ways.
“This looks like a really fun holiday season coming up, with one of the best selection of toys in years,” remarked Kerry George, president of the Canadian Toy Association. “The quality, innovation and selection are really outstanding!”
“Because no two children’s interests are the same, the Canadian Toy Association never tries to predict the top five or top ten toys,” Ms. George continued. “Children develop and learn at different speeds and in different ways. That is why we have toys that pique the imagination, offer role play and fantasy, teach hand-eye coordination, math skills, social interaction and so much more.”
Activity toys range from scooters and snow toys, to vehicles and toy creatures that fly, race and compete with each other and to playsets for junior pirates, dragon and dinosaur hunters and medieval knights and princesses.
Games and puzzles teach youngsters a host of skills and can draw whole families together for an entertaining evening or rainy day of fun and challenges. Arts and crafts bring out a child’s creativity and give him/her the satisfaction of creating artwork or a lasting craft to treasure and share. Dolls and plush toys give children a special friend to cuddle, nurture and interact with in their own private world.
Many toys and games encourage social interaction for children with their friends and family—sometimes by collecting and trading; by building together; or through friendly board game competition.
“Today’s toys continue to meet the challenge of having something for everyone,” explained Kerry George. “The industry understands that toys and games need to reflect the needs of families and children; recognize society’s trends and needs; promote creativity and learning; and fulfill expectations for safe and innovative play value.”
The CTA’s annual showcase of Hot Toys for the Holidays features 100 toys, games and activities from more than 50 Canadian toy distributors and manufacturers. The toys are posted online at www.cdntoyassn.com, grouped by category as Activity Toys; Construction Toys; Dolls and Plush; Games, Puzzles and Books; Preschool Toys; Arts and Crafts and Electronic Toys. Descriptions include age range, price, weblinks and photos to give kids, parents and other gift shoppers an easy way to search for this year’s hottest toys and prepare their holiday shopping lists.
For further details or to arrange interviews,
please contact:
Carol McDonald
905-875-1795
71st Annual Canadian Toy Fair “Sold-Out” Again
Toronto—More than 90 toy manufacturers, distributors and inventors are showcasing their 2011 toys and games lineup for Canadian retailers at the sold-out 71st annual Canadian Toy and Hobby Fair, January 30 to February 1 at the International Centre (Hall Six). Literally thousands of toys, games and activities for children and families are on display at this trade-only show.
“Overall, we are hearing that 2010 was a good year for the toy industry with steady sales at retail and a gradual, continuing economic recovery,” stated Canadian Toy Association president Jeff Hurst. “Looking forward to 2011, we are seeing optimism from the long-established toy companies and lots of enthusiasm from a strong resurgence in new and start-up companies.”
More than one-quarter of this year’s exhibitors are new to Canadian Toy Fair for 2011, bringing with them new products, new people and new ideas. In addition, there are an increased number of inventors showing off their toy and game innovations and hoping to get ‘discovered’ by retailers and manufacturers.
Last year, the Canadian Toy Association decided to align itself with the always-successful Canadian Gift & Tableware Show which runs concurrently in the other Halls at the International Centre. This has greatly increased traffic to the toy show since a number of retail store owners and buyers are interested in product lines from both industries. As a result, the Canadian Toy and Hobby Fair is sold out for a consecutive second year.
“Year after year, the toy industry has come up with new toys that fly, swim, bounce, educate and provide unending entertainment,” Hurst continued. “And because the Canadian Toy Fair precedes New York’s American International Toy Fair by two weeks, buyers at the Toronto show often get their first viewing of new toys, activities and games being launched in North America for 2011.”
Exhibitors are featuring a mix of innovative and exciting new products along with traditional favourites.
Among the new toys being featured, there is a continuing emphasis on ‘active play’ that encourages children to move, stretch and become more physically fit and coordinated. Educational toys are making a strong showing in 2011 ranging from the sophistication of pre-school lap top computer play to natural and wildlife sciences; from the chemistry of a magnesium-fueled car and to the physics of building a catapult originally invented by Leonardo da Vinci. Family game play is seeing a trend that takes it off the traditional gameplay board into 3-D play that incorporates construction, puzzle-solving and using the whole house as the ‘gameboard’.
As always, role play and the world of make-believe continue to draw children into imaginary lands of fairies and princesses, knights and dragons. Preschool toys focus on teaching creativity, dexterity and skill development
The toy industry in Canada is valued at $1.8 billion in annual retail sales. The Canadian Toy Fair features toys, games and activities for every season and every age, for indoor and outdoor use.
“Kids need new and different toys as they grow and as the seasons change,” states Jeff Hurst. “Infants and preschoolers develop rapidly in the early years, constantly requiring new challenges. For older boys and girls, toys and games encourage creativity, help them explore new concepts and can promote valuable social interaction. Families can often be drawn together by a new game or activity. That’s why parents recognize toys are a year-round investment in their children’s development.”
Media:
For further details, please contact
McMarketing Inc.
905-875-1795
JOINT NEWS ANNOUNCEMENT FROM
Canadian Toy Association
Santa Claus Parade
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
$50,000 TOY DONATION FOR THE “CHILDREN OF THE NORTH”
Toronto—Every holiday season, thousands of Canada’s most remote and often poorest children have few, if any, new toys to unwrap under the tree. Toys can educate, stimulate creativity and foster social play during the long cold winter months.
With this in mind, the Canadian Toy Association, the Santa Claus Parade and the R.C.M.P. have partnered to form a new toy drive for “Toys for the Children of the North”. They are hoping to brighten the holiday/Christmas season for thousands of often-forgotten children.
The Canadian Toy Association and more than 50 of their member toy companies launched the program with a donation of over $30,000 worth of new toys coming in through their annual Hot Toys for the Holidays promotion. Major donations, valued at $2,000 to $8,000, came from toy companies Crayola Canada, K’Nex Industries, KSM Toys, Mattel, MGA Entertainment, Spin Master and Unicorn Enterprises.
In the week leading up to the Santa Claus Parade, the parade and its media partners encouraged families and businesses to bring unwrapped toys to add to the mountain of toys at a free breakfast at Yonge-Dundas Square in the morning before the parade started on Sunday, November 21st. As a result, an estimated $50,000 worth of toys will be heading to northern Canada.
The R.C.M.P. which has jurisdiction for the vast majority of Canada’s northern regions will be delivering the toys to communities with the greatest need.
The toys were accepted on parade day by the Honorable Leona Aglukkaq, Federal Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Nunavummiut on behalf of the Children of the North.
“The Canadian Toy Association is thrilled to be part of this new initiative that will bring toys to Canadian children who need it the most,” stated Jeff Hurst, president, Canadian Toy Association. “Our member companies embraced this idea enthusiastically. The holiday season for all of us is about children and making available to them new, original and creative toys and games.”
In creating this toy drive, the partners determined that although there were many organizations focusing on the needs of children in Canada’s major cities and communities, there were no major efforts to do similar drives for the thousands of children living in Canada’s north.
“It was logical for the Santa Claus Parade to participate,” commented Parade president Peter Beresford. “We are a charitable, volunteer organization. Our floats, bands, clowns and entertainers all try to bring the season’s joy to millions across Canada and around the world every year. Since Santa Claus comes from the North Pole, we are now able to help those children who are closest to him!”
The R.C.M.P. serves the families in most communities in the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut. They will engage their network of detachments in distributing the toys collected.
“Our members serve the communities in which they live and work in many significant ways each and every day, whether it is through coaching, teaching, mentoring or other volunteer activities,” explained Superintendent Kevin Harrison, Officer in charge, Combined Forces, Special Enforcement Unit, R.C.M.P. “This is a very satisfying part of our work which we are very proud to do. The Toys for the Children of the North program is a very significant venture in which our members can help to serve a great many people in the North.”
Toys being collected have been stored courtesy of Thomson Transport and are being shipped to northern communities by First Air where the R.C.M.P. will take charge of delivery.
The intent of the three participating partners is to make this an annual toy drive that will grow and gain national recognition and participation.
For further details:
Carol McDonald
CTA Media Relations
905-875-1795
November 2010
Budget-Friendly and Hi-Tech Toys Top the List for 2010
Toronto—The “Hot Toys for the Holidays” from the Canadian toy industry for 2010 are also affordable toys ensuring that children—and parents—can still enjoy the upcoming Christmas/holiday season. More than half of the more than 110 toys and games, showcased by the Canadian Toy Association at their 8th Annual Hot Toys for the Holidays news conference, are priced at less than $30.
“We recognize that the economy continues to play a big role in Canadian families’ everyday lives,” stated Jeff Hurst, president of the Canadian Toy Association. “The toy industry has responded to this reality by offering up a wide selection of budget-friendly, high quality toys and games with really great play value.”
Reasonably-priced toys are represented across all the toy categories from preschool, dolls and plush to games, construction, arts and crafts, activity toys and collectibles and even some sophisticated electronic and educational toys.
“Technology advances continue to be introduced in novel ways to new toy designs,” commented Hurst. “And as hi-tech innovations become more commonplace, they also become more affordable for manufacturers to incorporate in their toys.”
Each year brings new inventions in hi-tech toys that continue to amaze children and parents alike. The plush animated mouse that actually demonstrates a number of dance steps, including the ‘moonwalk’; the scrabble tiles that ‘know’ when a word has been spelled correctly; the paper thin guitar with circuit-imbedded guitar ‘strings’ will tempt many shopping in the toy aisles as will the preschool laptop computers and interactive reading systems.
‘Green’ and ‘eco’ toys have become a mainstay in the toy industry in just the last couple of years. Kids can build a sustainable earth lab or play in an ‘eco’ town. They can experiment with solar powered toys and cuddle with a natural plush animal made from pure cotton fibers.
This year’s toys continue to offer children the opportunity to role play which is an essential element of play. They can dress as royal princesses or frogs; immerse themselves in a world of dragons, pirates or dinosaurs; become fashion editors, chefs, veterinarians or astronauts. Many toys and games encourage social interaction for children with their friends and family—sometimes by collecting and trading; by building construction or playsets together; or through friendly board game competition.
“Today’s toys continue to offer something for everyone,” explained Jeff Hurst. “The industry understands that toys and games need to reflect the needs of families and children; recognize society’s trends and global needs; promote creativity and learning; and fulfill expectations for safe and innovative play value.”
The CTA’s annual showcase of Hot Toys for the Holidays features nearly 110 toys, games and activities from more than 50 Canadian toy distributors and manufacturers who are predicting what will be the season’s hot-sellers based on retail demand. The toys are posted online at www.cdntoyassn.com, grouped by category as Activity Toys; Construction Toys, Dolls and Plush, Games and Puzzles, Preschool Toys, Arts and Crafts, Educational Toys and Electronic Toys. Descriptions include age range, price, weblinks and photos to give kids, parents and other gift shoppers an easy way to search for this year’s hottest toys and prepare their holiday shopping lists.
For further details or to arrange interviews,
please contact:
Carol McDonald
905-875-1795
70th Annual Canadian Toy Fair “Sold-Out” at New Location
Toronto—Close to 90 toy manufacturers, distributors and inventors are showcasing their 2010 toys and games lineup for Canadian retailers at the sold-out 70th annual Canadian Toy and Hobby Fair, January 31 to February 2 at its new venue, Hall Six at the International Centre. Literally thousands of toys, games and activities for children and families are on display at this trade-only show.
“I think it’s fair to say the Canadian toy industry is looking strong and stable moving into 2010,” stated Canadian Toy Association president Jeff Hurst. “In fact, we’re seeing new vigor with a number of young companies exhibiting this year along with the traditional ‘mainstays’…and a few companies are back in the show after a hiatus.”
Over one-third of this year’s exhibitors are new to Canadian Toy Fair for 2010, bringing with them new products, new people and new enthusiasm.
“Whether it’s a sign of the improving economy or the CTA’s decision to align itself with the always-successful Canadian Gift & Tableware Show (running concurrently in the other Halls at the International Centre) or a combination of factors, we are thrilled to be fully sold-out,” Hurstcommented.
“Year after year, the toy industry has come up with new toys that fly, swim, bounce, educate and provide unending entertainment,” Hurst continued. “And because the Canadian Toy Fair precedesNew York’s American International Toy Fair by two weeks, buyers at the Toronto show often get their first viewing of new toys, activities and games being launched in North America for 2010.”
The industry is also clearly aware of consumers’ lingering economic concerns. In its showcase of new toys for 2010, more than half of the featured products submitted by Toy Fair exhibitors are priced affordably at under $25 retail.
Exhibitors are featuring a mix of innovative and exciting new products along with traditional favourites.
One theme that is continuing to grow is a trend to ‘eco-friendly’ toys. There’s a model construction kit with vehicles powered by solar energy; an arts and crafts set featuring paper recycling; and a design-your-own canvas tote bag. A number of toys are constructed from environmentally-friendly or recycled materials including cotton fibre dolls, recycled resin bikes, biodegradable corn crafting materials and puzzles made from wood chips and finished with natural oils and waxes.
Role play and the world of make-believe are making a strong comeback with costumes and accessories that transport children into the land of pirates and knights and dragons. Aspiring musicians, chefs, even paleontologists, will get a career kick-start with toys that nurture their imagination.
Other categories showing strong growth include activity toys, construction toys, educational activities, preschool toys, and, as always, board games.
The toy industry in Canada is valued at $1.8 billion in annual retail sales. The Canadian Toy Fair features toys, games and activities for every season and every age, for indoor and outdoor use, as the industry continues to expand beyond the traditional Christmas/holiday gift-giving season.
“Kids need new and different toys as they grow and as the seasons change,” states Jeff Hurst. “Infants and preschoolers develop rapidly in the early years, constantly requiring new challenges. Older boys’ and girls’ imaginations can be stimulated with new toys and games that appeal to their specific interests or can be played with friends. Families can often be drawn together by a new game or activity. That’s why parents, more and more, are realizing toys are a year-round investment for their children.”
Media:
For further details, please contact
McMarketing Inc.
905-875-1795
New Location for Canadian Toy Fair
Toronto--The Canadian Toy Association (CTA) and its board of directors have announced a new location for the annual Canadian Toy and Hobby Fair trade show. Toy Fair will now run concurrently with the January Canadian Gift and Tableware Association’s Show (CGTA) at the Toronto International Centre near the Toronto Airport.
“After 25 very successful years at the downtown Metro Toronto Convention Centre, it was a difficult decision, but our goal is to maximize our exhibitor’s sales opportunities and we are confident this new location will accomplish that.” commented CTA president Jeff Hurst. “The Canadian Toy Association and the CGTA have been working to enhance their long-term relationship to the benefit of both ‘Toy Fair’ and the ‘Gift Show’, each of which is the biggest of its kind in Canada.
“The two shows have always been scheduled for the same week each year, and research has told us that many of the same retail buyers come to both trade fairs. By putting both great shows under one roof, we all stand to attract more buyers and make the buying experience more cost- and time-efficient. This opportunity will bolster the already-significant economic impact of the shows.”
Beginning in January 2010, the CTA’s Toy Fair and its 100+ exhibiting companies will be housed in Hall 6 at the International Centre, which offers CTA’s thousands of exhibitors and buyers; free parking, free shuttles and a host of hotel accommodation choices near Toronto International Airport.
“Canadian Toy and Hobby Fair was one of the first major trade shows to move to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre after it opened in 1985. Before that, Toy Fair was held for several decades in downtown Montreal,” Hurst explained. Until now, buyers coming to both shows had to shuttle from the International Centre to downtown and ba |
