I will be running the London Marathon 2016. Instead of bragging about my newly-found passion for running, let me instead introduce the cause I run for. Toybank.

Toybank (India) envisions a world where all children are empowered through healthy play. 

Play can impact a childhood and can empower a child. Children play because it is fun. When they’re engaged in play, however, children unknowingly develop life skills. They develop language, social skills, physical coordination, emotional maturity, and
exploration skills. Play encourages self-reliance, helps children solve problems and learn about the physical world. Play helps build relationships between a child and his parents, peers, caregivers, and teachers. Observing a child at play is a great way to gain insight about a child’s perceptions and feelings, and how he understands the world.

Playing comes naturally to children. In fact, the UN recognizes playing as a right of every child. "It is a happy talent to know how to play”. Playing reduces stress, improves life and increases creativity. Yet, there are thousands of children in this world who are not fortunate enough to enjoy this. 

Toybank promotes the power of play. 

Toybank sets up and runs play centers for underprivileged children in India-- those living in slums, orphanages, government-run free schools and non-profit organisations that help distressed
children. These centers help keep kids in schools, off the streets, out of conflict-ridden and aggressive environments. Thus they also have a therapeutic purpose.

At present, Toybank programs provide positive learning experiences to over 30,000 children in 248 centers
in rural and urban areas in the state of Maharashtra, India.  

I am running for Toybank because I believe in building healthier, stronger, more empowered communities. 

After all, "it is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men".

The London marathon promises to be a wonderful event for our cause, so please come out and show your support!

All donations are routed through Child Action.