A Gateshead designer is helping bring smiles to the faces of children living in refugee camps.
Jason Knights, from Gateshead, the owner of Blue Kangaroo Design, is helping LA war photographer Brian McCarty deliver toys to youngsters trapped in war zones.
For more than a decade, the American war photographer has been working alongside children who have been affected by conflict including active war zones in Iraq, Syria, and Palestine.
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The two men were introduced at the beginning of lockdown by Dan Owen, one of Netflix’s creative directors.
Jason, said: “Brian would find small children's toys from bombed areas, in Syria. After he saw this he started a charity project with refugee camps and collaborated his work with the 'War Toys' organisation.
“We, Blue Kangaroo Design, donated our time to design the branding and packaging for the 'War Toys' organisation and Brian.”
Jason added: “When I found out about the work Brian was doing with children all over the world I just wanted to help. I’m ex-military myself and can’t imagine the horrors some of these children have suffered,
“I’m in the business of toys and we naturally equate toys with fun and happy times.
"Brian’s work really made me think and I am proud to see his branding helping to convey his messages and good work across the globe.”
The recent war in Ukraine has also been added onto the list for the future, in helping children receive new toys, Brian said: "Our toy sculptor Anissa Tchoub is of Ukrainian heritage and has lots of close families still there, including her grandmother.
"She’s currently sculpting photojournalist Ron Haviv, who’s there now, along with two other photographers that Anissa has already sculpted – Nicole Tung and Byron Smith. It’s been emotional for her, and she asked me to relay her direct thanks to them all for documenting the war and sharing the truth with the world. "
Jason said: "When we helped the War Toys charity with their branding and packaging we never thought that we would witness such terror and misery so close to home."
LA photographer Brian uses art therapy and photography, using toys to safely represent children’s views of the war.
The unique charity project entitled “War-Toys'' shows children's toys that have been scattered on battlegrounds.
Brian’s preferred approach is to integrate toy characters into real-life situations.
His work has helped children tell their stories, working through local and international organisations and UN agencies.
Brian has now founded the California-based non-profit organisation 'War Toys' and is helping children by sending toys.
As a thank you to Blue Kangaroo Design, Brian has created a special photograph showing a plush Blue Kangaroo in a desert surrounding. It is hoped that the original photographic artwork will be auctioned to raise money for charity.
Brian added: “Working with Jason and his team has been a great experience. He immediately saw the impact that our work makes counseling children, educating carers in the field to help children process their trauma and emotions, and inspiring more positive play on a global scale.
“Blue Kangaroo has designed some of the most iconic brandings and packaging in the industry and we are delighted at the help they have given us to allow us to stand out and shine.”
