- 92 per cent of children would give away some presents if it meant another child would have a happier Christmas
- 61 per cent of children have given up their free time for charity at Christmas
- Argos, Barnardo’s and Tess Daly launch this year’s annual Toy Exchange from today until 25th November 2014
Milton Keynes, UK, 2014-10-3— /EPR Retail News/ — Children’s Christmas wishes are evolving as today’s kids show awareness of the less fortunate and consider what they could give to a disadvantaged child, according to new research released today.
Rather than seeing other children go without toys in the festive season, the research from Argos and Barnardo’s shows that 92 per cent of children would happily give up some of their Christmas presents, if it meant a disadvantaged child could enjoy a happier Christmas.
And the spirit of Christmas continues with children also sharing their time, the new study revealing that 61 per cent of children spend time during their Christmas break supporting various causes with bake sales, sponsored silences, carol concerts and charitable donations.
And the Christmas belief of giving and receiving can start immediately for children across the UK with the launch of the third annual Argos Toy Exchange with children’s charity Barnardo’s. From today, until 25th November, Argos customers are invited to drop off once-loved toys at Argos or Barnardo’s stores in return for a £5 voucher towards the cost of new toys (minimum £35 spend), to be redeemed at Argos by 24 December. All donated toys are then sold in Barnardo’s retail outlets to raise funds for the charity.
The scheme aims to raise money for some of the UK’s most disadvantaged children and this year TV presenter and mum of two, Tess Daly has teamed up with the UK’s number one toy retailer* Argos and children’s charity, Barnardo’s, to make this year’s event the most successful yet!
Tess Daly, said: “I’m really excited to be a part of the Argos Toy Exchange this year. It’s an incredibly worthwhile cause and one which can help make Christmas that little bit more special for disadvantaged families across the UK. We want to bring the grand total from the three Toy Exchanges to £2 million, with over 1150 Argos and Barnardo’s stores throughout the country it’s so simple to just pop down to your local branch and get donating!”
And ahead of Christmas, the Toy Exchange is the perfect way to clear out those pre-loved toys and make space whilst supporting a hugely worthwhile cause.
Amy Whidburn, Head of Corporate Responsibility for Argos, said: “As the UK’s number one toy retailer, we know how important it can be having something to open on Christmas morning. Each year Argos’ Toy Exchange raises hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of toy donations. Over the last two years we have generated around £1.25 million worth of toys and this year we want to add to this to hit £2 million over the three years. With the money raised going to help support some of Barnardo’s vital causes such, as early year’s development or vocational skills training, we’re committed to make this the most successful year yet!”
Gerard Cousins, Barnardo’s Director of Retail and Trading, said: “After the success of the Toy Exchange over the last two years, it made sense to aim towards the next milestone, to bring the total target to £2 million. We believe that with the support of the UK’s children and their families, we can do it!
“Barnardo’s helps some of the most disadvantaged youngsters in the UK for example; those growing up in poverty, those trying to escape abuse and those living in care. Profits from the toys, when sold will fund this work’.
For more information about the Toy Exchange visit: www.argos.co.uk/toyexchange.
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For further information and images from the Argos Toy Exchange please contact the Surname & Surname team on +44 (0)207 260 2775 or ArgosToyExchange@thisissurname.com.
Research by Markettiers4dc, carried out on behalf of Argos between: 5th September 2014 and 10th September 2014.
Sample: 1002 UK children aged 5 – 16.
Notes to Editors:
- In terms of value according to NPD Group UK Toys Consumer Panel 12 months to June 2014
Toy Exchange T&Cs
Toys can be donated to Argos or Barnardo’s stores between 1st October and 24th December 2014. You’ll receive a £5 voucher per donation (not per toy).
Toy Exchange vouchers can be redeemed between 01/10/2014 to 24/12/2014. Offer available in-store only, not at kiosks. Offer only available on Toys; for reference please visit argos.co.uk and refer to our “Toys & Games” section or refer to the Autumn/Winter 2014 catalogue. Please present voucher at till to claim discount. Voucher cannot be redeemed in conjunction with any toys multi-buy promotion, for example 3 for 2.
About Argos
Argos is a leading UK digital retailer, offering around 43,000 products through www.argos.co.uk, its growing mobile channels, stores and over the telephone.
Argos continues to be the UK’s largest high street retailer online with around 123m customer transactions a year and 738 million website and app visits in the 12 months to February 2014. Customers can take advantage of Argos’ convenient Check & Reserve service available through its network of 734 stores across the UK and Republic of Ireland.
In the financial year to February 2014, Argos sales were £4.1 billion and it employed some 29,000 people across the business.
Argos is part of Home Retail Group, the UK’s leading home and general merchandise retailer.
About Barnardo’s
Barnardo’s works with more than 200,000 children, young people and their families each year. Barnardo’s runs more than 900 services across the UK.
We believe in children and we believe every young person has a right to thrive. Our vision is to realise Thomas Barnardo’s dream of a world where no child is turned away from the help that they need.
We work to transform the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and every year we help thousands of families to build a better future. But we cannot do it without you. Visit www.barnardos.org.uk to find out how you can get involved and show you believe in children.
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