It began on what seemed like an ordinary drive with my three young children during clean-up week. But as we drove through the streets, I was struck by the mountains of waste spilling onto the curb — broken furniture, rusting bikes, outdated electronics… and toys. So many toys.

My heart ached. As a mum, and someone who deeply cares about the future of our planet, it was hard to witness. What others saw as rubbish, I saw as stories — once cherished things now abandoned, forgotten. There was something so heartbreaking about it. So much waste, so much lost potential.

Then suddenly, from the back seat, one of my children shouted, “Stop the car!”

I pulled over, curious, as he pointed eagerly to a small teddy bear teetering on top of a pile. I hesitated. It was tattered and dirty, just one of thousands of forgotten toys. But his eyes were fixed on it, and something about that moment felt important.

We brought the teddy into the car. He was worn and threadbare, a little dusty, with seams coming undone — but none of that mattered. To my son, it was love at first sight. We took him home, gave him a gentle wash, and I carefully stitched him back together. From that moment on, the teddy never left my son’s side.

That day changed everything for me.

I saw with new eyes what I’d always believed in my heart — that just because something is old or imperfect doesn’t mean it’s without value. That little bear, rescued from a rubbish heap, still had so much love to give. And I knew: this was true for so many other toys, too.

And so, The Toy Adoption Company was born — out of one small act of rescue, a whole lot of heart, and a deep commitment to doing things differently. We give pre-loved toys a second chance — not just to be played with again, but to be cherished, to spark joy, and to stay out of landfill.

Because toys don’t belong in the bin — They belong in loving arms.