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Published: 15 November 2024, Friday
On Friday, 8 November 2024, Toy Buffet, our most highly-anticipated community-based event of the year, took place at Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Together with close to 1,000 corporate, student and individual volunteers, we welcomed 2,500 children from lower-income families to the one-day carnival event.
2,500 children from 31 schools and 14 social service agencies attended this annual signature event
Every year, a theme is carefully selected by the Food from the Heart team. This year's theme "Monstrous Mayhem: Brave the Unknown!" saw monsters liven up NTU's Lee Kong Chian Lecture Theatre, to the delight of all the children who attended. This theme personified monsters as challenges and struggles that our children beneficiaries may face, such as school grades and friendships. However, much like monsters in stories and games, with bravery and resilient, monsters can be defeated. They can conquer any challenge, no matter how monstrous.
We were honoured to welcome Minister of State, Home Affairs and the Ministry of Social and Family Development, Ms Sun Xueling to officially launch Toy Buffet 2024 with representatives from venue host, Professor Tan Chuan Seng, Associate Professor Ng Beng Koon, and Assistant Director Ms Karen Lek, Ms Stephanie Ong and Dr Knut Unger from the Food from the Heart Board, together with our CEO Mr Robin C. Lee.
After the completion of our iconic emblem (a heart and half-circle), Toy Buffet 2024 is officially launched!
NTU student Rebeca Neascu serenaded our guests with songs from Disney favourites
Dance recitals by elite dancers from the Stellar School of Dance brought energy and excitement to the event
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Carnival games amped up the spirits at the event
Instant prints captured precious moments
This year's goodie bags were hand drawn by the employees of OCBC - adding a thoughtful personal touch
On this special occassion, our very own Superbun shared the spotlight with other monsters
Carnival snacks to fuel up after the thrill of games and toys
100 monsters were adopted at our first fundraising booth at Toy Buffet
All proceeds will go towards supporting our food distribution programmes
Community building forms the bedrock of Toy Buffet. Toy Buffet 2024 was a monstrous feat of its own, and one that we could not have pulled off by ourselves. Every year, the event brings together individuals and organisations who share the same spirit of compassion and giving back to society, to build a stronger and more caring community.
This year we raised close to 16,000 toys - both pre-loved and brand new! - by corporates partners and from the public. In particular, through the help of the Asia Toy and Play Association, we received 6,000 new toys from its members. Each toy comes with a handwritten message by the toy donors, for the recipient. They are also beautifully gift-wrapped by volunteers.
50 toy donation drives were organised over the last few months to raise 16,000 toys
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out our all Sponsors, Corporate and School Partners:
With 16,000 toy donations to give out, these toys were displayed across 25 toy booths that were dressed up for the monstrous affair!
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This year's Best Decorated Booth (Corporate) was awarded to Dell Technologies!
We are grateful for the incredible generosity of their sponsorships:
The spirited team of Toy Ambassadors tirelessly brought our young guests around. Every step of the way, they ensured that the children were entertained, happy and safe, and even helped to carry all their toys for them.
Guiding each child through the event, Toy Ambassadors were vital in ensuring an energetic and fun environment for everyone
Other volunteers who helped bring the 'Monstrous Mayhem' theme to life
We're grateful for your generous support and hope the exhilarating spirit of giving stays with you…until the next Toy Buffet!
To be a part of our upcoming events, get in touch with us here or follow us for more.
