In the Weme in Dalen there are tables full of toys waiting for the opening of the toy exchange fair. The toys were brought in in the morning and classified and valued by volunteers.
The contributors of the toys receive points. They can use this to choose new toys, explains volunteer Femmy. “We have tables with different amounts of points, from one to six. For example, this is a neat Ravensburger puzzle. It is worth two points.”
Branded toys and items that are more expensive score up to six points. “A K3 mat that you can dance on is worth a few more points. For example, we also have FurReal Friends toys that just work. That’s fun, because we give back what doesn’t work.”
These points are not made too difficult, says co-organizer Anita de Haas. The most important thing is that the toys are given a new sustainable destination. “A lot of things are thrown away while they are still of super good quality. And especially toys that have not been played with much can easily be taken for a second, third or fourth round.”
Visitors come from miles around. The fair is not specifically aimed at people with a small budget. “At the end of the exchange meet, people are allowed to pick things out without having to give anything up, so those people are certainly welcome. Take what you need and what you can use. But we see a lot of people who have enough to spend, because that sustainability principle.”