11-06-2025
Abergavenny toy share "so proud" of BBC award recognition
Toy Share Abergavenny, founded by Hannah Greys, is one of the 32 finalists in the BBC Cymru Wales Make a Difference Awards 2025.
The awards celebrate individuals and groups who make a significant positive impact on their communities.
Ms Greys' project is up for the Green Award.
Hannah Greys is a finalist for the 'Green' award with BBC Cymru 'Make a Difference' (Image: Hannah Greys) The initiative, which began as a small social media group in March 2022, provides a free toy sharing service for children aged 0-12.
It aims to encourage families to buy less and normalise second hand items, thus reducing the environmental impact of toys.
In just over three years, more than 22,000 toys have been offered for free through the group.
This not only helps families but also prevents these toys from ending up in landfill sites.
Toy Share Abergavenny is up for an award with BBC Cymru 'Make a Difference' (Image: Toy Share Abergavenny)
Ms Greys said: "I'm so proud that Toy Share Abergavenny has been shortlisted for the Green Award at the BBC Cymru Make a Difference Awards 2025.
"It really does mean the world to see the impact of a simple idea – a free toy-sharing group – recognised for the difference it's making to both the environment and our local community."
The initiative was born out of Ms Greys' personal experiences and observations.
Before launching Toy Share, her own family faced unexpected financial hardship, during which she met many other parents struggling in silence.
This inspired her to create a transparent, non-judgemental, and welcoming group where families could find support.
Ms Greys added: "Being green shouldn't have to be a luxury.
"It's something we can all do.
"Toy Share Abergavenny is warm, non-judgemental and welcoming.
"It's a space where no child has to miss out.
"Where giving and receiving toys for free is just part of everyday life.
"Where we celebrate second-hand, instead of seeing it as second-best."
Toy Share Abergavenny is one of the four finalists in the Green Award category.
The BBC Cymru Wales Make a Difference Awards 2025 received over 700 nominations.
The finalists were selected based on their exceptional contributions to their communities.
The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on September 20 in Cardiff.
The judging panel includes prominent BBC presenters such as Katie Owen, Lauren Price, Gethin Jones, Owain Wyn Evans, Bronwen Lewis, Iolo Williams, Olivia Breen, and Aleighcia Scott.
The other categories include Carer, Community Group, Fundraiser, Great Neighbour, Key Worker, Unsung Hero, and Volunteer.
Ms Greys encourages those interested in getting involved in Toy Share Abergavenny to find them on Facebook.
She said: "Together, we're proving that sharing really is a greener, kinder and fairer way to play."
