We are really excited to be the first to introduce you to Smile 2 Smile, a Canadian social enterprise dedicated to gifting quality stuffed toys to less fortunate children around the world, sharing the joy and playfulness that is central to childhood. Upon purchasing one of Smile 2 Smile’s limited edition toys, a child in need will be given a unique, colourful S2S friend. S2S is looking to connect that special child in your life (or your inner child!) with a less fortunate kid in a fun yet meaningful way.
Smile 2 Smile Buddy Collection Handcrafted Dolls: $50
ABOUT THE DESIGNER: Mélissa Calixte was born and raised in Montreal, QC. The second of five siblings, her recognition of joy through play began young, particularly that generated by collective, thoughtful interaction. Of Haitian descent, her awareness of global disparity was also nurtured from a young age, becoming a recurrent theme in what she wished to pursue professionally. After studying Fashion Design at CEGEP Marie-Victorin in Montreal, she moved to Toronto to further her studies at Ryerson University’s prestigious School of Fashion. Her work experience in menswear led to an increased passion for beautifully tailored pieces of simple design and luxurious materials. After various stints at prominent menswear boutiques, she was inspired to combine her humanitarian inclinations with her well-honed design skills. It was from this confluence of interests that Smile 2 Smile was born. Mélissa continues to live in Toronto, working out of her household studio.
Smile 2 Smile Buddy Collection Handcrafted Dolls: $50
HER STORY: It all started with overflowing boxes of fabric (the physical remnants of many, many years of Fashion Design studies) and an overwhelming need to assist the global community. The first sample of what would become the Smile 2 Smile signature toy was created on a rainy day and quickly expanded into a family of cheerful toys, which were then sent to displaced Syrian children. When more and more people started asking about purchasing the toys, we seized the opportunity to turn a small project into something bigger. Inspired by other groundbreaking, socially responsible businesses, we decided to combine local play and global consciousness into one fun, endearing toy. For the inaugural Fall/Winter Collection, S2S offers one style of stuffed toy in 5 different combinations of textiles and colours.
Smile 2 Smile Buddy Collection Handcrafted Dolls: $50
Smile 2 Smile Buddy Collection Handcrafted Dolls: $50
Smile 2 Smile Buddy Collection Handcrafted Dolls: $50
Purchased one this weekend and the toy fell apart. I should have just donated $50 to toys for tots or an organization that immediately puts a quality toy in the hands of a child. Also, the fact that once purchased the buddy’s pair won’t be delivered until the following year is odd. Not to mention the face that no charitable organization is affiliated with the brand. There are so many kids who will be without toys this Christmas locally, why not focus on your own backyard. I wish I would have read this blog before purchasing one. Got style usually has impeccably crafted items, I’m surprised you’re shelving duds like these ones…
Hi Marianne,
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I’ve forwarded your feedback to the designer and will be working with her to assess why this happened. Kindly contact me at sharad@gotstyle.ca as I would like to help resolve this matter.
Sincerest regards,
Sharad Mohan – Community Manager
Email: sharad@gotstyle.ca
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