Spirit of Play Foundation

The Spirit of Play Foundation, initiated by Spielwarenmesse eG, brings together the charitable initiatives of our national and international events to focus on play as an elementary basic need. We are convinced that play is far more than just entertainment - it is an essential part of children's development. With the Foundation, we want to reinforce this message and give children around the world access to valuable toys through targeted fundraising campaigns.

At our leading global event, the Spielwarenmesse in Nuremberg, we offer exhibitors the opportunity to participate in the Spirit of Play Foundation. The toys donated by the companies will be given to carefully selected projects in daycare centres, schools and social institutions. In addition to local projects, we will continue to expand our activities at international level, for example in Brazil, together with our representatives.

Current projects - Giving joy together

Spielwarenmesse 2025

On 23 July 2025, the official handover of toys donated by exhibitors at the 2025 Toy Fair took place. A total of 19 social institutions in Nuremberg received donations, including the Kinderhaus Nürnberg and the adjacent adventure playground. Further donations went to the Dortmund-based association Kinderlachen e.V., which supports children in need in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

"Playing is invaluable for children's development, and with our foundation we are spreading this message," says Christian Ulrich, spokesman for the board of Spielwarenmesse eG. This success is a joint effort by the committed exhibitors and volunteers who actively support the project. The Spirit of Play Foundation will continue its commitment and also expand internationally to strengthen the power of play worldwide.

Christmas campaign in Brazil

Spielwarenmesse eG's new donation project, the Spirit of Play Foundation, has organised a special Christmas campaign in Brazil: Three local manufacturers - Xalingo Brinquedos, Usual Brinquedos and Doce Brinquedo - donated toys to a social organisation in the greater São Paulo area in mid-December. The toys were presented by Spielwarenmesse eG's representative office BERG Eventos e Negócios, which has excellent links with local companies.

Kids India

With its successful launch in India, the Spirit of Play Foundation has already been able to realise its first donation projects. As part of Kids India (12-14 September 2024) in Mumbai , many exhibitors donated their toys to the Foundation. These toys were donated to the charitable organisations St. Catherine’s Home and The Toybank.