Finance guru Eddie Hobbs and broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan joined forces with independent toy retailer, Toymaster on 7^th August 2013 to launch a new charity initiative to raise much-needed funds for the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation. The campaign, ‘Toby for Charity’, will run during August and September and aims to fund 1,500 home nursing hours for 300 Irish families with critically sick children. 

People are being asked to visit their nearest participating Toymaster store to purchase a beanie puppy of the toy store’s mascot, Toby. 8,000 of the cuddly beanie puppies are being made available for purchase for just €3 in 33 Toymaster stores across the country.  All proceeds will go to the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation.

Toymaster spokesperson, Ann Laide said: "At only €3 and with every cent going to Jack & Jill, Toby is both an affordable and meaningful gift for all ages and occasions. Working in and supporting local community is very important to Toymaster so we’re particularly pleased to be helping Jack & Jill in this endeavor.”

Jonathan Irwin, CEO of the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation said: “Jack & Jill nurses give parents of sick children time to do normal things other families take for granted – like sleeping, shopping, visiting friends, or taking other children to the park for a cycle.  They can do this with the peace of mind that their sick child is being well cared for. Our nationwide service includes home nursing visits and care, advice and bereavement support, with the Foundation providing funding for up to 64 hours of home nursing care per month at a cost of up to €1,024 per family. 

“Jack & Jill relies on the generosity of the Irish people to raise these much-needed funds.  This new initiative by Toymaster is greatly appreciated and will make a big difference to the lives of families of very sick babies," he said. 

To find your nearest Toymaster store please visit the Toymaster website www.toymaster.co.uk or download the Toymaster Storefinder app for iphone or android. People can also donate online at www.jackandjill.ie.