Toy Swap Festival in Ningbo Inspires Young Hearts to Share and Care

On the first scorching weekend of summer 2023 in this coastal city of Eastern China, the warm hearts of youngsters outperformed against the soaring temperature.

The very first Yongpai Toy Swap Festival, inaugurated by Ningbo Evening News and Ningbo Yongpai Media, kicked off on May 27th in five districts including Yinzhou, Haishu, Jiangbei, Beilun and Fenghua. Buzzing with excitement, this charity event brought 200 schoolkids from across the city to exchange toys and raise fund for their counterparts in Southwest China’s Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture.

Jiang Haoxuan, a first-grade pupil, arrived early in the morning at the Festival held in Haishu District. He curiously wandered around the venue alone, seeing what each booth had to offer while his mother followed slowly behind. “He takes charge today, and I’m just here to look out for him,” said Jiang’s mother.

Jiang halted at the fundraising sales. As he learned that the toys in this section were priced at 2 yuan each, and that the money would eventually go to children in Liangshan, a great resolution sprang out of his small body. “Since this is about charity, then I would like to buy more!” And Jiang’s mother happily approved his benevolence with a total purchasing budget of 50 yuan.

“I wish the children in Liangshan to feel happy and study well.” Jiang said in all sincerity, holding the toys he had just purchased.

9-year-old Xie Jiaqian also brought her “treasures” — rings, bracelets, necklaces, and more. But how could she bear to say goodbye to her precious items?

“Some of these items were handcrafted by herself, while others were bought as souvenirs during trips. She usually keeps them locked in a secret box, and even her two-year-old brother couldn’t lay a finger on them. At first, she was absolutely unwilling to bring out any of them. So, we explained to her that the things she brings for exchange must be items she adores, otherwise, how would others appreciate them? She soon agreed to bring her best collection,” Xie’s mother unveiled the behind-the-scenes story. She further added that this event can offer a practical experience that provides kids with the real pleasure of sharing.

In addition to the toy swap and charity sales, other interesting activities took place at the festival, such as food DIY, live performances, and a fun sports game.

Under a banner reading “Happy Share, Happy Sports”, 2-year-old mixed-race baby Micle was excitedly spectating about the fun sports game. His mother explained that the baby was granted the Chinese name of “Zi Yang” because he is of foreign (i.e., Yang, as compared with Chinese) origin, born in the Year of the Rat (one of twelve Chinese Symbolic Animals and referred to as Zishu in Mandarin). Taking the role of spicing things up, Micle was there cheering for the school pupils with all his might! — Hooray!

“Through toy swap, children get to experience the pleasure of sharing and making new friends. This will promote their social development.” When asked about the intention of the Toy Swap Festival, Xu Hongya, the star principal of Panhuo Subdistrict Central Kindergarten in Yinzhou District, shared the opinion that a campaign like this will make a big difference to both children and their parents. “While sorting toys, parents engage in discussing with their kids about which items can be exchanged, which hold special meaning, and thus which should be kept. And this process integrates emotional education.”

As of May 30, the event has raised 56,800 yuan. Then, on May 31, over 40 boxes of toys and books embarked on their journey to Liangshan. Brimming with the genuine love from Ningbo citizens, the delivery marked the heartfelt conclusion of the first Yongpai Toy Swap Festival.

The children of today, bearing great potential and vitality, will grow to explore, to propel urban development, and to shape a brighter future for humanity. In May this year, Ningbo was among the second batch to join in the construction of child-friendly cities in China. Thanks to its child-friendly environment – designed through the eyes of children – this Chinese coastal city in Zhejiang province is proving to be a caring and inclusive city.

Intern Journalist: Pan Wenjie

Correspondent: Zhang Haiyu

Photos by Liu Bo, Jiang Hanxin, Lu Wei, Tao Ni

Proofreaders: Huang Dawang, Fan Yeping, Jason Mowbray