Fans of Transformers toys raise funds to help feed hungry children
Toy-Fu are playing it forward by donating funds made from selling rare Transformers collectables
Bringing joy to fans of the iconic pop culture franchise, Transformers, Toy-Fu are helping to change the lives of desperately hungry children around the world having raised an estimated £178,000 for Mary’s Meals from selling the toy collectables for the past 15 years.
Nicholas Davidson, a long-time fan of Transformers, founded the Scottish group in 2009 after becoming aware of Mary’s Meals. Determined to support the charity, Nicholas and the group sell the collectables each year at TF Nation, a Transformers fan convention which takes place in Birmingham. Proceeds made from the toy sales are then donated to Mary’s Meals, helping to ensure that we keep our promise of a daily school meal to more than 2.4 million children.
But it’s not as simple as buying and selling old toys. The group are dedicated to finding the rarest items that have been released over the past 40 years and spend their time scouring the internet for the exclusive toys to sell to fans. The group also have a range of cheaper toys available for younger fans of Transformers.
Transformers enthusiast and member of Toy-Fu, Gavin Spence, says: “People have gravitated towards the group over the years and help out in all sorts of ways.
“So much hard work goes into Toy-Fu throughout the year from collecting stock to working at the stalls. When you see all the good it can do in the world, it's hard not to want to get stuck in and support.”
The generosity from the community has evolved since the beginning of Toy-Fu, with fans giving back in other ways including donating their unwanted items and buying tickets from the charity raffle, held by TF Nation organisers every year, with proceeds going towards Mary’s Meals.
Supporters like Toy-Fu play a vital role in helping Mary’s Meals to feed children who are at risk of missing out on their education because of hunger.
Matt Barlow, Executive Director at Mary’s Meals, thanked the group for their fantastic contribution and said: “I am so grateful to Toy-Fu and the incredible amount of money they have raised for Mary's Meals over the years. Their donations are providing life-changing daily school meals for thousands of children living in the world's poorest countries, providing them with energy, education and hope for a brighter future.
"There are currently 67 million children out of school worldwide because of poverty but thanks to wonderful supporters like Toy-Fu, we can continue to work towards our vision that every child receives one daily school meal, allowing them to access education and fulfil their potential. We hope their fundraising efforts inspire others to join us as we strive to reach the next hungry child waiting."
Feeling inspired by Toy-Fu and their amazing fundraising efforts? Find out more about how you can raise vital funds for Mary’s Meals by visiting: Fundraising | Mary's Meals UK (marysmeals.org.uk)
