At our December meeting, Kiwanis Sydney was delighted to welcome Jackie Lo from Joy of Giving to share the inspiring mission of his organisation. Based in Crows Nest, this charity addresses a significant environmental and social challenge: approximately 27 million toys—roughly 57,000 tonnes—end up in Australian landfills every year. By focusing on rehoming preloved toys, they offer a sustainable alternative that benefits both the environment and local families.
The “Joy of Giving” philosophy is centered on the belief that every toy deserves a second life. Their community hub operates on a simple, inclusive model:
- The Exchange: Families can bring in preloved, new, or unused toys in good condition and exchange them for other treasures available at the hub.
- No Barriers to Entry: Bringing a toy is not a prerequisite; any family in need can receive toys from the hub to bring joy to their children.
- Educational Value: The process teaches children the importance of sharing, giving, and receiving, instilling these values early in life.
Founded in 2019 by a group of like-minded friends, the organisation grew out of a desire to create a more sustainable future for the next generation. Jackie shared a particularly moving example of their reach: a recent shipment of culturally appropriate toys sent to a small school in an indigenous community near the Queensland border. The presentation was truly enlightening, and Kiwanis Sydney is proud to consider how we can best support this worthy cause moving forward.
