Donate toys and make a difference

A simple donation of a toy, book or game at the Mother Baby and Child Show Abu Dhabi 2008, will help to brighten an autistic child's life and raise funds for the Gulf Autism Centre based in Abu Dhabi.

Children need toys and books to develop necessary motor skills, says the US National Institute for Early Education Research. Studies also show that infant toys are critical for brain growth that affects learning later in life and play is essential for all children to lead happy, healthy and productive lives.

Most children receive an abundance of gifts during birthdays and festive occasions, many of which get put away in a cupboard and never used.

Encourage your child to share and re-gift one of their many presents or at least ask them to donate toys that they have outgrown, if those toys are in good condition or still in their original packaging.

"This year we wanted to help make a difference to the lives of children in need, which is why we are launching our special donation drive for the Gulf Autism Centre, as well as our ongoing support to the Make a Wish Foundation," says Shannon Norris, Events Director for TME, the organisers of the Mother Baby and Child Show Abu Dhabi.

People who wish to donate can drop off their toy donation at the show, which will take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre on 29-31 May 2008. As a way of saying thank you, parents will receive a free entry ticket per family.

Now in its second year in Abu Dhabi, the Mother Baby and Child Show offers plenty of free advice as well as the latest in childcare products, goods and services for everyone from parents-to-be through to parents with children up to the age of eight.

"As well as parental and medical advice, there is plenty for children at the show including appearances from their favourite TV characters, entertainment, play areas, goodie bags and bundles of fun," adds Norris.

"Other highlights this year include a Fashion Show from Babyshop, with clothes modeled by children from the Gulf Autism Centre. To celebrate our first birthday, children born between May 29-31 2007 will also be invited to join us on stage for cake, games and gifts."

The special draw at the show will offer a star prize of 2 return tickets to New Zealand courtesy of Air New Zealand, as well as many other fabulous prizes.

The Mother, Baby and Child Show Abu Dhabi is expected to attract 150 exhibitors this year. An impressive 15,000 people visited the show in 2007 and TME are expecting a great turnout again this year. Sponsors of the event include: Fuji Film, Fine, Milupa, Air New Zealand and National Bank of Abu Dhabi.