Press Releases
JANUARY 7TH 2008
Celebrities sign toys for charity
Toy Fair, January 30 – February 2, 2008, ExCeL London
Kylie, Christian Bale, Michael Parkinson, Jonathan Ross, Tony Hawk, Chris Evans, Calvin Harris, Evel Knievel, Jemima Khan, Bob Wilson, Jimmy Somerville and Nick Baker have all lent their support to the Toy Trust and Barnardo’s by signing toys that will be auctioned off on eBay to raise money for the two children’s charities.
The charity auction, which is being run by the British Toy & Hobby Association (organisers of Toy Fair*), will go live on January 30 2008 and bidding will close on Friday February 29.
The stars have kindly signed the following toys:
• Kylie – a Kylie doll
• Christian Bale – Batman 70cm figure (never before sold in the UK)
• Michael Parkinson – a cricket bat
• Jonathan Ross – Star Wars Transformer
• Tony Hawk – Xbox 360
• Chris Evans – practice putting green
• Calvin Harris – Ker-plunk
• Evel Knievel – Dare Devil Stunt Set
• Jemima Khan – Lilya ballerina doll
• Bob Wilson – football
• Jimmy Somerville – Doctor Who Dalek
• Nick Baker – Nick Baker nature kits
The Toy Trust is run by the British Toy & Hobby Association to raise funds for deserving children’s causes. It launched in 1990 and £2 million has so far been raised, with every single penny going to help disadvantaged children, through a huge variety of projects, many of which would not be possible without Toy Trust assistance.
Barnardo's was started in 1870. Its purpose is to help the most vulnerable children and young people transform their lives and fulfill their potential. The charity supplies vital services including: counselling, fostering and adoption, vocational training and disability inclusion groups.
Natasha Crookes, director of communications at the British Toy & Hobby Association, said: “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of the celebrities who have given their valuable time to help us raise money for such important causes. We have our fingers crossed that the general public will dig deep and help us raise as much money as possible.”
Notes to editors:
* Toy Fair is the UK’s largest business exhibition of toy, games and hobbies and takes place between January 30 and February 2, 2008 at London’s ExCeL.
Media can register now for a complimentary pass at www.toyfair.co.uk
For more information:
Charlotte Le Rougetel or Michael Blount
Bastion
32-38 Saffron Hill
London EC1N 8FH
T: +44 (0) 20 7421 7600
F: +44 (0) 20 7421 7601
charlotte@bastion.co.uk; michael@bastion.co.uk
www.bastion.co.uk