At Mastermind Toys, we believe that play is kids’ work!

Through play, kids get to discover the world around them, develop life skills, and explore their curiosities and interests in fun, engaging ways.

We also believe in the importance of books for learning and development. Reading helps little ones understand the world through exciting adventures, new ideas, and characters with identities and experiences different than their own.

In 2020, Mastermind Toys introduced a Diversity & Inclusivity book collection—spotlighting Black, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQIA+ stories and authors—as a way of supporting caregivers and educators looking for resources that could spark important conversations with their littles ones, as well as reflecting the many faces and experiences of our communities.

Today, this initiative has grown into Books That Give Back; a portion of proceeds from books sold from our Diversity & Inclusivity collection is donated to BGC Canada to support its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives, which help kids feel seen, valued, empowered, and included for all aspects of who they are.

For 120+ years, BGC Canada (formerly known as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada) has been creating opportunities for millions of Canadian kids and teens.

As Canada’s largest child and youth-serving charitable and community services organization, BGC Clubs open their doors to young people of all ages and their families at 635 locations nationwide. During out-of-school hours in small and large cities, rural, and Indigenous communities, BGC Club’s trained staff and volunteers provide programs and services that help young people realize positive outcomes in self-expression, academics, healthy living, physical activity, job readiness, mental wellness, social development, leadership, and more.

Opportunity changes everything.

In 2021, Boys of Girls Clubs of Canada became BGC Canada. This new name change reflects the diverse communities it serves, embracing kids and teens of all ages, backgrounds, and identities.

An inclusive organization promotes and sustains a sense of belonging; it values and practices respect for the talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of living of its members. BGC Canada’s journey into equity, diversity and inclusion is entrenched within its core values of belonging, respect, encouragement, and support.

Equity means everyone is provided with what they need to succeed. By treating everyone equitably, we are considering their differences and ensuring those differences do not prevent them from accessing the same opportunities as everyone else.

Diversity is the range of human differences, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class, physical ability or attributes, religious or ethical values system, national origin, and political beliefs.

Inclusion is involvement and empowerment, where the inherent worth and dignity of all people is recognized.

BGC Canada has four pillars of focus for its EDI strategy:Indigenous, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit; Racialized and/or People of Colour; 2S & LGBTQIA+ People; and People With Disabilities.

BGC Canada is committed to building knowledge and awareness about Reconciliation and supporting Indigenous children, youth, and families in the communities it serves.

It also provide resources—like Anti-Racism and 2S & LGBTQIA+ Toolkits—for Club staff and volunteers, to support conversations and help identify and recognize barriers members face.

BGC Canada believes that opportunity changes everything.

BGC Canada Clubs offer activities and classes, such as swimming, cooking, sports, art, drama, dance, leadership learning, and homework time. They also provide food and necessities—all tailored to the needs of communities across the country.

BGC Canada impacts nearly 150,000 children and youth each year—with programs like healthy active living, learning & career development, leadership programs, scholarships, and youth engagement. The Clubs also provide support for caregivers through parenting programs, helping strengthen family relationships.

Participating in these programs helps kids and youth feel more confident and comfortable in who they are, helping set them along a path to success. BGC Canada’s vision is for all children and youth to discover and achieve their dreams, and grow up to be healthy, successful, and active participants in society.

Learn more about their impact here.

Since 2021, Mastermind Toys has partnered with BGC Canada for our Books That Give Back program. Every year, we donate a portion of proceeds from books sold within our Diversity & Inclusivity collection to BGC Canada to support its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives. Our collection features over 150 titles, spotlighting stories by and about equity-deserving communities.

Since partnering with BGC Canada, Mastermind Toys has raised over $50,000 to donate to BGC Canada’s EDI initiatives.

Discover even more books from our Diversity & Inclusivity collection—online and at Mastermind Toys stores!