In our cosy western world of comforts and luxuries – we can easily be forgiven for forgetting just how lucky we are to have the things we do. Four walls, a roof above our heads, full stomach’s, an education, family & friends, safety, income, the list goes on...We can equally be forgiven for forgetting how other parts of the world are not as fortunate.

“Every human being in this planet is born with an innate ability to help other people in some way. The trick lies in practice. It’s usually easier and more rewarding than you might have expected. The world is full of people in need”

Jay Haze, the world known dj, producer and label owner relocated to Lima Peru earlier this year to work on his album ‘love = evolution’. After living in Lima and witnessing firsthand the type of poverty that is occurring in his barrio and all over South America, Jay Haze, with the help of his friends and record label Tuning Spork are organising a series of Charity Events worldwide titled ‘Toys & Needs’. Having been an active charity worker since he was 18, this is not the first campaign work that Jay Haze has instigated; works for a children’s orphanage and his DJS4DRC campaign in 2009 helped women and children affected by rape and violence in the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo and raised a staggering €100,000 through Jay’s donation of his entire profit of his Fabric 47 mix CD and furthermore, 50% of the 24 gig promo tour’s money that accompanied the CD, was donated by Jay and other dj’s to DJS4DRC and the orphanage who care for children who have lost their families in conflict.

“In the run up to Christmas on any date before the 18th December 2010, any event or performer that would like to participate can offer as much as they are able to of their door entry fee, their dj fee, their bar profit, or simply by asking their crowd to donate throughout the night”

All across the globe – promoters, dj’s, venues, friends and music lovers are asked to join forces and help to make a difference for ‘Toys & Needs’. In the run up to Christmas on any date before the 18th December, any event or performer that would like to participate can offer as much as they are able to of their door entry fee, their dj fee, their bar profit, or simply by asking their crowd to donate throughout the night – it’s a pretty remarkable thing to get involved in and as the man behind it says “Every human being in this planet is born with an innate ability to help other people in some way. The trick lies in practice. It’s usually easier and more rewarding than you might have expected. The world is full of people in need. Get out there! Ask questions! Find a problem you can help with. This is not the time for alienating yourself when…We all know the future is about connectivity and we all have something to learn from one another”

‘Toys & Needs’ aims at generating a better Christmas for vulnerable children and communities around South America whilst creating political awareness to the current situation in the region. With a little bit of good intention and willingness, we, as individuals, have the power to make the difference. Proceeds from ‘Toys & Needs’ will go to a slum in Lima that Jay has been working alongside to fund toys, books, educational resources and towards improving living conditions in the slum. Alternatively, there is also the option to choose any other community or charity institution of their choice in South America such as Querataro in Mexico and Bogota and Medellin in Colombia are doing by helping local communities and establishing links with charitable institutions.

“We all know the future is about connectivity and we all have something to learn from one another”

The scheme has already gained remarkable support from artists such as Soul Clap, jozif, Nick Curly, Jamie Jones, Dyed Soundorom, Lee Burridge, Anthony Collins, Luca Saporito (Audiofly), Claus Voigtmann, Jan Krueger, Louis Guilhem, Jay Shepheard, Born Bjorg, Marcus Vector, Sierra Sam, Jin Choi, Vectorand Cesare vs Disorder to name a few, as well as events such as London’s underground party Toi.Toi and Giles Smith’s ‘The Secret Agency’. ‘Toys & Needs’ will be documenting the events involved and the results afterwards, to show how the efforts have made a difference - Music is the answer!

If you as a dj, artist, event, promoter, venue or as an individual would like to help Toys & Needs there is still time to get involved and donate. All you have to do is contact the Tuning Spork team and they will give you all the direction and details you need to help. Just send an email to – isis@tuningspork.com or you can also paypal any amount across to jay@contexterrior.com. On behalf of Jay Haze, Tuning Spork and the charities and children in need...Thank you!

Words by Hannah Briley