The Toy Project has always used large black plastic bags to pack and deliver the Christmas gifts to families, but this year we looked for an alternative to non recyclable bags.

Research showed that there wasn’t an affordable alternative, which would be strong enough and the correct size, until someone suggested that we ask for donations of old, clean, duvet covers and make our own.

Requests went out to friends, Freegle and on Facebook and we got started. Each double duvet makes 4 bags, with lots of variety of patterns. We have penguins, dinosaurs, lots of flowers, both large and small, colourful checks and plain red, blue, white and brown, which we hope will be fun to pack, and a small contribution to the reduction in plastic waste.

As you can see form the photo we got the biggest share of the tokens which magically turned into a cheque for £404, which Wendy collected from Jared Carroll who looks after the Community Matters Scheme in Caversham. 

On a perfect day in early August (not too hot and dry all day) we were at Earley Green Fair. The main focus of the Fair is, as its name suggests, Green things. So lots of stalls promoting the environment, animal welfare, plants, recycling etc, etc.

We had 3 spaces there selling our left overs from last year's Toy Project - those items not suitable or just a bit too scruffy or items that turned out to be for adults rather than for children - along with general bric-a-brac, books and a fantastic raffle.

On the hottest day of the year 4 coaches left Reading to head for Paultons Park. The coaches were blissfully air conditioned, so we travelled in comfort to Hampshire. As we arrived at the Park a great cheer went up on the coach and the excitement mounted.

We distributed tickets to all the adults and children over 1m and they headed into the park. We spotted lots of children revelling in the splash pool, met others in Peppa Pig World. And in the theatre. There was great fun to be had on all the rides and the mature trees in the beautiful garden gave welcome shade for picnics and a rest.

Everyone came home tired, but happy after a great day out!

Here is what our partner agencies and the families had to say about the day...

“The families have said they really enjoyed themselves so thank you very much to Reading Family Aid for allowing them to have this experience which they may not of had if it wasn’t for yourselves “

“I would like to thank Reading Family Aid for including Redlands families on this trip. They all had a lovely time and were grateful for the opportunity. They said they had fun and the parents all said Thank you. It gave them an opportunity that they would not usually have and started off the holiday with a bang! “

“Thank you, thank you, thank you! Such a brill day and we couldn’t have had it without you. We are ever so grateful! Thank you again.” – JD

“It was amazing! The kids absolutely loved it! We had the best day out and a huge thank you from us all.” - FS

“Thank you so much for the trip and allowing us to have tickets for this. all our families really enjoyed it the children stated “ it was great we had so much fun” “ this is the best day ever “

On July 4th we held our AGM. We were honoured that The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Reading, Councillor Paul Woodward joined us.

Ruth Perkins as Chair welcomed everyone and gave a report on the work of the charity over the past year. She said we had managed to provide toys or an Outing to more families than ever before and commented on the changes that the committee has had to accommodate over the last 20 years not just in terms of numbers of families that we support but also in terms of technology, social media and new laws and regulations to which we must abide.

All this means building a committee with diverse skills and knowledge ranging from Project Management to IT to Tombola preparation to Social Media to Charity Law and Governance and everything in between. Luckily we have managed to recruit an excellent team that cover most things.

David Berry reported that we had managed to spend slightly less that our income over the past year which is always good! We have a healthy bank balance but all of this is earmarked for spending on the Outings and Expenses over the next few months so we will need to raise more funds for next year's outings.

Officers, existing and new committee members were voted in and the formal meeting was closed.
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This was followed by a social hour enjoying refreshments provided by the committee.

June 29th was Armed Forces day and was also the hottest day of the year and perhaps one of the hottest days ever in Reading!

​The Mayor had organised a celebration of our Armed Forces in Forbury Gardens and we had a stall to spread the word about what we do. ​

We had a prime spot next to the grandstand and were entertained all day with music - everything from Vera Lynn and Gracie Fields, to the Beatles and more classical numbers.

Another fun filled day at Winnersh Fete.

Despite strong winds and occasional showers, it was another successful  event. We had a tombola, lolly competition as well as some items for sale.

​It's always a pleasure to hear peoples excitement at winning a prize, especially when it is something they wanted. They always appreciate the quality of the items.

The picture shows some committee members sporting our new t-shirts.

Today we put smiles on children's faces!
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Smiles of excitement as they journeyed on the coach. Smiles of recognition when they met up with their friends. Smiles of awe while stroking the farm animals. Smiles of glee splashing about in the pool. Giggles aplenty at the magician. Even the ice-cream smeared mouths could not hide the beaming smiles!

And it was not just the children who smiled. The parents and carers were unanimous in expressing their pleasure at having the opportunity to join in with all the fun that Camp Mohawk has to offer. One Mum told us that the day had restored her belief that there is kindness in the world. What an honour.

On Monday 20th May we received the very exciting news that we had been selected as one of the Mayor's charities for this year. This means that we will benefit from the Mayor's charity fundraising during his year in office and his support at any events that we hold.

​Ruth and Wendy attended the Council AGM and the Mayor Making ceremony. In his speech the Mayor, Cllr Paul Woodward, said that he chose us because of the help we provide to the many disadvantaged families in Reading. He said that it is astonishing to understand that despite Reading being one of the seemingly most affluent towns in the country, there is so much deprivation to be found, with about a quarter of Reading's children living in poverty.

In the pictures, the Mayor making his speech and Ruth and Wendy (sporting their t-shirts with the new RFA logo!) are with the Mayor and Matt Rodda, Reading East MP.

​On a reasonably dry day on May 11th we had a stall at the Forbury Fiesta which was the first day of the children's Festival. Wendy, Roz and Jaime manned the stall with the lollipop game and a lucky dip and Jaime did some face painting. Only one torrential downpour for a few minutes.
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Wendy can be seen sporting our new t-shirts with our new logo and also Jaime painted the logo on Wendy's face!