Improving the lives of Australia’s sick and disadvantaged children.
WHO IS TOYBOX AUSTRALIA?
ToyBox Australia is a charity dedicated to supporting Australia’s sick and disadvantaged children.
Our Mission: To light up the faces of Australia’s sick and disadvantaged children.
Our Vision: To create Australia’s most successful fundraising organisation for children in need by providing a high quality communication platform that engages and excites the Australian community, particularly in the corporate environment.
To fulfil our mission, we purchase vital industry leading equipment and therapy to conquer the challenges life has brought these children; fund incredible escapes so they can enjoy welcome distractions and inspiration to make their journeys easier; fill essential grants that support their families and allow them to be by their child’s side for comfort; and fund necessary research so that future generations will not faces these same challenges.
We work alongside reputable children’s charities nationally to identify specific grants that need filling and then fund these grants. ToyBox prides itself on reporting back to our supporters on where their funds have been utilised and how they have made a difference.
ToyBox plans to excite its supporters with a fresh look at charity fundraising, to give Australia’s sick and disadvantaged children a very bright present and an even brighter future.
MEET THE BOARD
Photography courtesy of Jarrad Seng | Kindly hosted by Mobilia
Troy and Sophia barbagallo
The ToyBox Charitable Trust was established by the extended Barbagallo Family in 2006, founded by Troy, with Sophia Ulgiati being appointed as secretary/general manager soon after. Troy and Sophia were both ambassadors for, and integral in the founding of WA’s Young Variety during the early 2000s. The desire to help the less fortunate was evident in both, this and the invaluable experience gained at Variety, plus attending their fair share of charity events, meant they were well placed to create a children’s charity that would provide entertainment and engagement like no other. A charity that provided the ability to enjoy the luxury of giving at a new level. And, most importantly, a charity that was local, unhindered by politics, run lean, and provided all supporters with clarity on what their donations funded. The pleasure of knowing how you have made a difference, all while enjoying an amazing, memorable experience. Troy and Sophia married in 2011 and have three healthy children aged between 24 and eight.
Troy: Fave toy in the toy box: Triumph. Fave lolly from the lollybag: Bullets. Fave childhood movie: Batman
Sophia: Fave toy in the toy box: Lego. Fave lolly from the lollybag: Milk Bottles. Fave childhood movie: Encanto.
Adam Zorzi
Highly regarded for his significant construction and development experience, Adam is considered one of WA’s most dynamic and knowledgeable property developers. A proud West Australian with a keen eye for local heritage development, refurbishment and restoration projects, Adam has led the revitalisation of some of Perth most distinct locations including the reimagining of Julio’s Restaurant and creation of the Sage Hotel in West Perth, the redevelopment of the historically significant Perth Girl’s School site in East Perth and the recreation of the 1900’s heritage Goods Shed in Claremont into a new cultural hub. Adam is also a State Advisory Board Member of Starlight Foundation, was board member of FORM for seven years, and until mid-2020 was a Non-Executive Director and past Chairman of ASX listed human capital technology company Livehire Ltd (ASX:LVH). Adam has a Bachelor of Commerce with double majors in property and finance from Curtin University and a Graduate Certificate in financial planning from FINSIA and acts as an ASIC Certified Responsible Manager of ADC.
Adam is married to Melissa, and in December 2019 they were fortunate to have their first child, Xavier, who Adam confesses is the apple of his eye. "Xavier coming into the world, and for me experiencing that unconditional love as a parent has just reinforced how lucky Melissa and I are, and strengthened our resolve to work where we can, to help children less fortunate than our own."
Fave toy in the toy box: Remote control car. Fave lolly from the lollybag: Raspberries. Fave childhood movie: Top Gun
Danny Ma
Danny's background is in Engineering and Finance and has spent the last 23 years working in Project Management, Commercial Management and Business Development roles. Currently Director of Business Development for one of the largest international Energy Projects Delivery and Construction company. He has always been energetic and passionate to give and is involved in a number of charity organisations. Since becoming a father himself, his perspective in life has changed dramatically. He has developed a strong resonance in supporting the sick, disadvantaged and unfortunate children. Moreover, the way Troy and Sophia set up ToyBox which is local, lean, efficient, fun, transparent and maximizes donations to make a difference for the children is truly amazing. Danny was eager to be a part of this great work so when the opportunity came up to join the board there was no hesitation whatsoever. Danny has two beautiful children aged 10 and 12 that ensure his life never has a dull moment. In whatever spare time Danny has, he’s active in Cycling and Boxing.
Fave toy in the toy box: Lego. Fave lolly from the lollybag: Freckles. Fave childhood movie: Castle in the Sky
Dr Jennifer Chan
Jennifer is the Owner and Principal Dentist of Simply Teeth in West Perth, a private practice dedicated to providing patients with exceptional experience and quality care. She is one of the youngest dentists globally to be awarded the prestigious title of FICD (Fellow, International College of Dentists) in recognition of her “outstanding professional achievement, meritorious service and dedication to the continued progress of dentistry for the benefit of humankind.”
The spark for Jennifer's strong passion and dedication towards philanthropic work was ignited during her time at university when she helped organise visits to primary schools to teach them the importance of good oral health. Since then, she has been nominated and serves as the President of the Children’s Health Aid Team (CHAT); an organisation that provides dental services to the underprivileged, including orphans, those with specials needs and children living in poverty. She regularly leads volunteer dental teams in rural and remote areas of Vietnam whilst providing clinical supervision, teaching and mentoring of dental students. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jennifer also joined the Kimberley Dental Team, a not for profit organisation in which dental professionals travel to the Kimberley region of Western Australia to provide treatment to indigenous children as well as their families. Having been a positive influence in the dental industry through volunteer work, Jennifer is excited to be a part of the Toybox Foundation with a hope to be able to extend her help to the wider community.
Fave toy in the toy box: My bunny plush toy. Fave lolly from the lollybag: Sour gummy worms. Fave childhood movie: Mulan.
Patrick thaung
Patrick is a Partner at a national law firm with over 25 years’ experience in commercial and property law, in WA as well as London, Sydney and Melbourne. Patrick has also sat on the board of various listed and unlisted companies and incorporated associations. Patrick’s pro bono work also involves advising various charities and not for profit entities.
Patrick was involved in the formation of ToyBox and is one of the original board members. Patrick’s interest in children’s health stems from several sources, including his mother who worked at Princess Margaret Hospital for 30 years, and the challenges other members of his close family have encountered during their childhood. Patrick’s long involvement with ToyBox is testament to the incredible hard work of Sophia and Troy and the many lives they have changed through the generosity of the public. Patrick is married to Tess, a primary school teacher and they have two beautiful children aged 13 and 15.
Fave toy in the toy box: Replica sports cars. Fave lolly from the lollybag: Bananas. Fave childhood movie: Iron Man
SALVATORE FAZZARI
Salvatore Fazzari is a visionary entrepreneur from Perth, Western Australia, known for his creativity and expertise in the design industry. As Mobilia’s director, Salvatore oversees all facets of the business, including brand identity, sales management, brand procurement, contract negotiations, operations management, and company strategy.
Salvatore spearheaded the company’s national expansion in 2021 moving the company onto a national platform with its new 1100sqm showroom on Melbourne’s Church Street; as well as the acquisition of Mobilia’s new Sydney showroom in Surry Hills, due to open in 2024.
Salvatore’s expertise in interior design has seen him work on various notable hospitality, retail and residential projects across Australia, including the southern hemisphere’s largest pub, The Camfield, Perth’s first Art Series hotel, The Adnate and two upscale neighbourhood pubs, Good Company and The Elford Hotel with these projects, he not only assisted with the design vision but also managed the single source procurement of these and other sizeable projects.
Collaborating closely with local architectural firms, he has worked with leading architecture and design practices, including State of Kin (Shutter House), Matthew Crawford Architects (Adam Heath boutique), Paper (Minderoo Foundation offices), and MJA Studio (The Grove apartments). Looking abroad, Salvatore has a strong reputation among the international design community and is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience.
He has forged strong connections with prolific design industry leaders and has created a link between Australia and Europe’s connectivity to these icons. Keen to capitalise on these connections in a meaningful way, In 2014, he founded the Design Circus, a charity platform bringing some of the world’s leading designers to our shores and enriching the local community through exhibitions, talks and workshops. This platform has also allowed Salvatore to helped launch the careers of many young artists in the musical, sculptural and art industries alike.
Salvatore has appeared as a guest lecturer at both a university and tafe level as well as developed and run programs that have since been added to various curriculums in the areas of the product and interior design fields.
Fave toy in the toy box: Magna Doodle sketchbook. Fave lolly from the lollybag: Strawberry and Creams. Fave childhood movie: Lion King.
SONIA BAKER
Sonia has over 25 years’ experience in both retail and financial services. She completed her Bachelor of Business at ECU, followed by her CPA.
Sonia was a managing Partner of her own accounting practice. Her time at the helm of a boutique accounting practice in WA has given her insight into all different types of business - both profit and not for profit enterprises. Her practice became a beacon for artists and the arts. Consequently, Sonia served as a Board Member of Artrage now known as Fringe World Festival, Perth’s premier arts festival and is now a lifetime member.
Sonia is a passionate Western Australian and is the mother of four healthy sons.
“When I was asked to be on the board of this fabulous Charity, I immediately agreed. I am so grateful to have an opportunity to make a sick child’s life happier.”
Fave toy in the toy box: Barbie. Fave lolly from the lollybag: Freckles. Fave childhood movie: ET.
JESSICA REID
Jess is the General Manager for ToyBox Australia. Jess has over 20 years of banking and finance experience leading large teams across Communications, Change Management and Operations at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Bankwest. Jess is also a Non-Executive Director at La Vida Homes and a Postgraduate Psychology Student.
Being a Mum to two boys who have needed the help of amazing health professionals over the years, Jess has a keen passion for the wellbeing of children in particular, early intervention, prevention and accessibility to services and equipment knowing first-hand how vital this can be.
Jess works alongside the board and charity partners to maximise opportunities to help children and young people be the best they can be.
Fave toy in the toy box: Polly Pocket. Fave lolly from the lollybag: Wizz Fizz. Fave childhood movie: The Goonies.
TOYBOX AUSTRALIA BRANDING
Andrew Allingham
ToyBox would love to thank Andrew Allingham for his continued support to ToyBox. Andrew, a creative, graphic and illustrative genius, designed the ToyBox OG logo back in 2006 while Art Director at Box Magazine. Andrew has forged an incredible design career and portfolio, including illustrating for Rolling Stones Magazine. Andrew was kind enough to use his creative brilliance and take our beloved original logo into the present day, with this amazing refresh.
RARE
ToyBox would also like to thanks Callum, Richard and the incredible team at RARE for donating their time and helping our board to evaluate what the essence of ToyBox is. To reinvigorate our brand, looking at what we have already and what we are striving to achieve in the future. They enabled us to refocus and realise that we should be ToyBox Australia, as our focus has always been on supporting Australian children in need.