Hamleys proud to support GOSH Charity this Christmas
Hamleys partners with Great Ormond Streep Hospital (GOSH) for Christmas fundraising push
Hamleys, the finest toy shop in the world, has announced its Christmas partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, including the launch of a limited edition run of only 1500 Hamleys x GOSH Bears, with £16 from the sale of every bear being donated to the charity to support seriously ill children from across the UK.
Hamleys will also be delivering exclusive in-store experiences and raising vital funds for the charity with the installation of a Tap to Donate machine.
To launch the charity partnership, Hamleys hosted a private in-store event for children treated by GOSH and their families, and other beneficiaries. Santa made a special appearance and gifted each child with a magical Hamleys Christmas present donated by brands including LEGO, Mattel and NBC. Families also enjoyed a fun filled, festive morning filled with exclusive Harry Potter, Frozen 2 and Elf experiences.
Hamleys has also revealed a special installation on the Ground Floor of their Regent Street store, showcasing a giant Christmas tree dressed to the theme of the new GOSH Charity Christmas animation, ‘One Step Closer to Home’, which follows four-year-old GOSH patient Henry on his journey from GOSH to his home in Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire. Along the way Henry, who receives specialist care at GOSH for a rare cardiac condition, is helped by magical stockings that represent donations from GOSH Charity supporters. The tree in store will be adorned with a giant stocking, a model of Henry on top, built by acclaimed model maker Andy Gent, best known for his work on Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs. Hamleys will also be installing a Tap to Donate machine next to the tree, ahead of Christmas, to allow customers the chance to easily donate to GOSH whilst shopping.
Hamleys CEO, Sumeet Yadav, commented: “Hamleys is proud to be supporting GOSH Charity this Christmas, helping raise essential funds for such an important charity, and the in-store event showed just a glimpse of the special, life changing work GOSH Charity do. At Hamleys, we believe in the magic of Christmas and Henry’s journey home is part of that magic. We look forward to showcasing our limited edition GOSH x Hamleys Bear and the beautiful installations in-store this festive season.”
Liz Tait, GOSH Charity’s director of fundraising, said: “Christmas is such a crucial time for us at GOSH Charity and we’re so grateful to our incredible donors for their generosity and support at this special time of year. We’re thrilled to be partnering with Hamleys, whose Regent Street store has been decorated in the theme of our Christmas campaign, starring GOSH patient Henry as we follow his magical journey home. Hamleys’ enthusiasm in supporting the seriously ill children at GOSH is amazing and we look forward to working with them this festive season. We’d like to say a huge thank you for their support.”
Throughout November and December, in the Regent Street store, there will also be dedicated entertainment linked to GOSH, with puppet shows and Elf activities to engage shoppers with the essential work the charity does over the festive season. Hamleys hope to help make a difference and raise vital funds for the children and their families supported by GOSH.
