International Day of Play in California

The California State Legislature has recognized Mattel for its dedication to creating play experiences that bring joy and enrichment to children’s lives as part of proclaiming June 11, 2024, as International Day of Play in California.

This inaugural International Day of Play (IDOP) is a global movement adopted by the United Nations certifying that play is a fundamental right for every child. The resolution passed today, marking California as the first west coast state to do so, and encourages communities and stakeholders across the state on June 11, and throughout the month, to further raise awareness of the importance of play and promote and celebrate playfulness, creativity, and fun.

Steve Totzke, President and Chief Commercial Officer of Mattel said: “Mattel is honored to serve as ambassadors in championing International Day of Play in California. Our purpose is to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential and we are proud to support this inaugural moment to help provide children with the opportunity to embrace their fundamental right to play and thrive.”

After the resolution’s presentation, Mattel unveiled its IDOP play kits to legislators, which will later be donated to Save the Children. 

“As a parent I know, first-hand, that play is an essential part of a developing child’s life. Play provides an engaging way to nurture creativity and imagination, build social skills, and support a child’s emotional and psychological well-being,” said Senator Ben Allen, Vice Chair, Joint Committee on the Arts. “I am honored to join Mattel, a California company, and the United Nations in recognizing the importance of play and proclaim June 11 as International Day of Play in California.”

Continuing the IDOP celebration, Mattel will also host a series of activations worldwide. Here in the U.S.:

• Mattel will support IDOP with a lineup of co-branded promotions available at Target from June 9 through June 15.  
• The Mattel Children’s Foundation will donate 100,000 toys and books to Save the Children programs throughout rural America.
• Mattel will host play kit builds at company locations from coast-to-coast, including Mattel HQ in El Segundo, California; Mattel Distribution Centers in San Bernadino, Dallas/Fort Worth, DeForest, WI, and Jonestown, PA; and at Fisher-Price in East Aurora, New York. Over 150,000 toys will be donated to more than 7,000 children on June 11.

In addition to IDOP, Mattel will also host its annual Play It Forward Global Volunteer Week later in June. During the week, employees in over 30 global offices will volunteer time to support local nonprofits that serve children and their families. For more information regarding Mattel’s philanthropic efforts, including the annual Play It Forward Global Volunteer week, please visit corporate.mattel.com/philanthropy.