TOYOLOGY Toyology-The Action Men of the batteries not included industry
Related Articles
A special Mood Bear named Hope helped deliver festive joy to children supported by Kent-based charity Demelza, as Southeastern Railway marked the bicentenary of the railways with a heart-warming Christmas toy delivery to Canterbury.
Mood Bears, founded by entrepreneur Jo Proud, joined leading UK toy brands Hornby and Asmodee, alongside toyologist Peter Jenkinson, to bring smiles, comfort and connection to children and families this Christmas.
A total of 200 toys were delivered to Demelza children during a festive transformation of Southeastern’s 09:36 St Pancras to Canterbury West high-speed service and part of the organisation’s Railway 200 celebrations.
Jo Proud, Founder of Mood Bears, commented: “It was an absolute privilege to support this wonderful organisation and help Southeastern Railway celebrate its 200-year anniversary. Mood Bears were created to bring comfort, connection and emotional support, and having Hope Bear on the train and at the station was a powerful reminder that none of us have to carry our feelings alone.”
The hour-long festive journey combined charitable giving, festive entertainment and family fun, with passengers treated to board games from Asmodee, trains from Hornby, festive storytelling from a Dickensian performer and a special appearance by the six-foot Mood Bear mascot named Hope.
Sam Cornelius, On-Board Depot Manager, Southeastern, said: “It’s been wonderful to be involved in such a special day. Seeing the joy on our passengers’ faces during the journey and knowing that we’re delivering 200 toys to children at Demelza makes this really memorable. Supporting a hospice in the heart of the communities we serve is what the festive season is all about.”
All donated toys were gifted to Demelza, which operates three hospice centres across Kent, supporting children with serious or life-limiting conditions and their families.
Demelza’s Deputy CEO, Hayley Richardson, added: “We’re so grateful to Southeastern for the support they have shown Demelza this Christmas. The donation of 200 toys is incredibly generous and will bring joy to so many over the festive period.”
Peter Jenkinson, Toyologist, concluded: “It was incredible to see the power of toys, play and imagination in action today. Having Mood Bear Hope there to represent comfort and emotional wellbeing added a truly meaningful layer to the experience for children and saw us all help support the Railway 200 celebrations.”
