About Us
The Whale-Sized Toy Chest is a federally registered, student-led non-profit organization based in Toronto, Canada, with the goal of providing toys, craft supplies, books, and any other materials that might spread joy to children in hospitals, special education centres, and youth homeless shelters. These facilities are often in need of donations and frequently can’t accept used items, which greatly limits the number of donations they receive. The Whale-Sized Toy Chest was created to address this need by providing these organizations with brand new toys and fun supplies that can help brighten children’s days during these difficult and lonely times.
Our
Story
The Whale-Sized Toy Chest began in February 2021 as a one-person project and has since become a federally registered non-profit organization with 10 team members, partnerships with 9 donation sites across the GTA, and partnerships with over 150 donors all around the world! Furthermore, through our Courage Pods program, we are working to brighten the days of child cancer warriors not only in Canada, but in the United States as well!
Hello!
My name is Anna Yang and I'm the founder and president of the Whale-Sized Toy Chest!
I'm a third year undergraduate student at the University of Toronto double majoring in neuroscience and psychology! I founded the Whale-Sized Toy Chest as a first year student to ensure that children in difficult circumstances can still experience joy and fun. In my free time, I love reading, daydreaming, and thinking about theoretical physics :)
Meet the Team
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Outreach Coordinator
Sarah Huang
Hi! My name is Sarah and I’m a second year life science student. I joined The Whale-Sized Toy Chest as an outreach coordinator because I believe that fun and play are important parts of every child’s life! In my spare time, I like to bake, journal, and do embroidery.
Outreach Coordinator
Adham El Sherbini
Hi, My name is Adham and I am a second-year student at Queen's University. I am interested in the healthcare field and enjoy working with Whale-Sized Toy Chest to help those in need. In my free time, I like to play soccer, read biographies, and watch documentaries.
Outreach Coordinator
Liz Varughese
Hi, my name is Liz and I am currently in grade 10! I joined this organization because I believe it is where I can make the most impact and because I love what this organisation stands for. In my free time I like to bake, read and watch Netflix.
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Social Media Coordinator
Beheshta Masudi
Hi, my name is Beheshta, I’m currently in grade 12. I joined The Whale-Sized Toy Chest because I love what the organization stands for and wanted to be apart of their mission. Some hobbies of mine include reading and working out!
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Operations Manager
Rachel Tang
Hey :) I’m Rachel and I’m a third-year undergraduate student at Rotman Commerce, specializing in management and minoring in economics and linguistics! I joined the Whale-Sized Toy Chest’s team because I believe that fun is imperative to a child’s healthy development. When I have downtime, I like to crochet, read, and play with makeup!
Artist
Madison Mitchell
Hi, I'm Madison! I'm the owner and artist behind Bunoodle Design Company, a shop that sells enamel pins, stickers, stationery and more! As a part of the Whale-Sized Toy Chest, I'm happy to have the chance to use my creativity to bring some joy to children in need!
Artist
Holly Bokor (Congercine)
Congercine is an Illustrator from the GTA, who also sports a B.A in Human Geography. They love neon colours, futuristic fashion, and marine life, and have kindly been contributing their artistic talents and unique sense of creativity to the Whale-Sized Toy Chest!
Artist
Xiaolin Liu (Rylynn)
Xiaolin Liu (also known as Rylynn) is a game designer & digital artist currently residing in the city of Ottawa, ON where she dreams of vast games and mind bending characters. She loves using art as a means of spreading joy :)
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Director of Quality Control
Michael Yang
Hi! My name is Michael. I'm a 4th grader and my favourite subject is science. I like to play four square and soccer with my friends at recess. One of my favourite hobbies at home is to play video games.
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