At HDR (new window), an architecture and engineering firm with offices across Canada and the world, giving back to the community is an important part of their company culture. So when their Toronto office learned of an opportunity to adapt toys for children with disabilities as part of the #HackingForTheHolidays (new window) campaign by Neil Squire’s Makers Making Change (new window) program, they jumped at the opportunity.
“Our office wanted to give back to the community in a unique way while using our creativity as architects and engineers, so the toy-making event seemed like a perfect fit,” explains Brittany Zhang, Transportation Planner with HDR.
On a Friday in November, 30 employees from the HDR office in Toronto worked together to adapt 15 Calming Vibes Walrus toys and Remote Control Race Car toys, allowing kids with disabilities to play with them.
“Overall, everyone had a great time making the toys. For a lot of us, it was our first time soldering, so there was a bit of a learning curve on how to use all the tools. The printed instructions were clear, and [MMC team member] Stephan was a wonderful help,” says Brittany.
The team was inspired during the build event by the fact that the toys they were adapting would be going to children with disabilities.
“It definitely motivated us to try our best to make sure the toys turn out in good shape, and to make as many as possible. For me, it feels very rewarding and heartwarming to know that we are contributing to the happiness of children in need,” Brittany explains.
The toy hack was a great team building experience for the HDR team in Toronto.
“Definitely a great experience! People are already asking when we’ll host another building workshop. This was a very special team building opportunity for us while contributing to a good cause.”
HDR is a gold sponsor of our #HackingForTheHolidays campaign.
This event is one of numerous similar Makers Making Change events happening across Canada through to the end of December as part of Neil Squire’s #HackingForTheHolidays campaign. Hacking for the Holidays has a fundraising goal of $100,000 and the aim of building 2,000 toys, switches, and video game joysticks for children with disabilities.
This post originally appeared on the Makers Making Change (new window) website.