The storytelling audio device company has donated 500 Tonies playing children’s stories and songs to Starlight charity
Tonies has helped to bring play to children undergoing serious medical treatment across the UK by gifting 500 tonies, and offering large discounts on the Toniebox storytelling audio devices to children’s charity, Starlight.
The company supports the Starlight’s Storybox programme which provides storytelling toys, books and crafts to children in hospitals and homes across the UK during a time when the charity’s team isn’t able to visit due to the pandemic.
To help children remain connected with loved ones, the Tonieboxes and CreativeRonies also allow family and friends to record personal messages, which can be uploaded via the mytonies app.
Pinky Laing, UK partnerships at tonies, commented: “We are delighted to help bring a little respite to children who are receiving treatment during the pandemic and are proud to be part of Starlight’s Storybox programme.
“Tonies is committed to helping children through the power and magic of storytelling. Our audio storytelling devices help to engage young minds, and we feel fortunate that we can help support and inspire children who are going through a tough time with our tonies interactive audio system.”
Dr Krutika Pau, director of children’s services at Starlight, added: “The pandemic has meant that children in hospital have faced heightened anxiety and worry and through our initial work, we’ve found that Toniebox was a fun and engaging activity for families to do together, which helped them escape from the worries of treatment, relax and bond.
“From our pilot we saw that Toniebox benefits children both in hospital and at home, and when using them we saw a decrease in negative emotions such as feeling sad and anxious, and an increase in positive emotions such as feeling happy and confident. Toniebox served as a welcome distraction during treatment and as the stories are accessible and familiar, helped the children to feel relaxed. We are so grateful for Tonies’ support and hope many more children will benefit from this brilliant product throughout the year ahead.”
A health play specialist at Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother Hospital, who received a Toniebox as part of the pilot programme, said: “The Toniebox helped children to keep calm. It helped to keep children distracted during procedures and connect with the staff completing the procedure. The Toniebox has provided entertainment for children who are isolating in their room. It gives them something to look forward to and brings happiness.”
