BY STEVEN KASZAB
The toy industry has benefited greatly historically, during the pandemic and now in fact, selling over 30 billion dollars’ worth of simple to electronically complicated toys in 2023 (Statista). Lego alone made a profit of 1.8 billion Euros in 2022. Mattel reached 5.5 billion dollars in sales in 2022, and with the introduction in 2023 of The Barbie Movie this figure has possibly doubled.
Many within the toy sector have said their sales figures have shrunk, yet their profits remain and often grow. Please realize just how healthy the toy sector is now and will be in the future once artificial intelligence is co-joined into thousands of new unique toys.
The Toy Foundation has provided funds for 20 hospitals and pediatric care Centers, some $380,000 dollars to be shared equally, with the hope that some 240,000 children will benefit. $380,000 divided by 20 = $19,000.00. Nice, nothing to sneeze at, right? The money is intended to purchase whatever the department needs, particularly toys for the little tykes to enjoy while in the Children’s Hospital. Play grants will help in the rehabilitation and mental welfare of children in need. $380,000.00 annually is expected to flow to hospitals pediatric departments in need.
A corporate think tank must have thought of this promotion, a smallish donation to help children in need. Who can complain or object right? Well, these corporations are worth well over a trillion dollars, with profits into the many billions of dollars worldwide. Where are the funds for the equipment children need for more beds and attendants? The children of North America and the world are watching “Barbie and Ken” in a magical world, yet has: Mattel, Hasbro, Lego and others made this essential equipment, and services appear in every children’s hospital? There is a promise to do so each year, but we live in a huge global village, with billions of children, and a marketplace that could actually help those in need while maintaining their precious profits.
The Toy Foundation should be congratulated for their thought-out effort, but when will your local hospital get its turn/donation?
Perhaps a suggestion: For every toy sold, 5% should go to local charities especially children’s hospitals, hostels and specialty schools for children. JUST SAYING!