100,000 tons of toys are thrown away every year in France! Yet they are only used for an average of 8 months by children. This lifespan is considered too short, and Rejoué has made it its mission to extend it.
The organization has created a professional integration program aimed at people distanced from employment, (of which 65% are women, often single mothers) to give toys a new life. The toys, collected from businesses, are cleaned, tested, and completed if necessary before being resold at affordable prices to individuals as well as to early childhood professionals, daycare centers, PMI, toy libraries…
Aware of the challenges faced by single mothers in balancing work and personal life, the organization adjusts work hours so they can take care of their children without stress. The workshop is also closed on Wednesdays to allow them to spend time with their families.
"We really believe in the trickle-down effect," explains Karen Birstein. "We think that if early childhood professionals buy second-hand toys, they will encourage parents to do the same". Second-hand options are increasingly being considered, both for ecological and economic reasons: "The second-hand solution also addresses people with fewer resources".
In addition to its awareness-raising work with early childhood professionals, Rejoué is very active with businesses. "This is a path we are trying to take to encourage employees to become engaged citizens. Our mission is to raise awareness about inclusion and reuse", concludes the co-director.
