The Toymaking Group of the Woodworkers Association have been making and donating toys since around 2001.
In November 2008 we delivered another 17 toy truck packs to the Children’s Hospital at Westmead,  being intended for  assembly by patients under supervision.  The packs were well accepted by Alison Jones, Head of Occupational Therapy, & Chair of Clinical Support Program, Allied Health.
 
According to Occupational Therapist Belinda Swain, the toy packs are the best gift for sick children. Older kids enjoy assembling and finishing the toy packs and other kids enjoy playing with them.  There are currently two sizes of trucks.  Some packs require glueing-up of dovetail joints - others have finger-jointed trays already glued.
 
Westmead does not have a budget to provide such facilities for children.  For us, it is just a small amount of time and effort.  We study, design and select toys every year.  Through the production process we learn usage of tools.  We apply the skill of fine woodworking for toymaking.  We are advised that children like toys in bright colours as in the samples pictured.  In a former life, Alison - see picture - was a woodworker.
 
Please join us, and share the pleasure of making toys and contribute towards doing something, however little, for these unfortunate children.
Contact Kim 9858 1578, Peter 9879 3329, Frank 9896 4017, or Miko 9805 1775.