‘I never saw dolls that look like me’: Online toy store features dolls of all ethnicities, cultures and abilities [Video]

Andile Pfupa is dedicated to placing dolls from all over the world for children of all ethnicities, cultures and abilities into the hands of Canadian families.

Pfupa, the owner of Bee You Kids, says there’s a very high demand.

“I’m just trying to keep up,” she said.

“Toronto is calling. (A store there) wants the dolls, so I have to figure out how to supply them. There are (currently) two stores in Canada that carry my dolls — Boreal Kids in Yellowknife and Adoniaa Collective in Calgary — (along with) the Autism Centre in Edmonton.”

Pfupa is an early childhood educator who has worked in Yellowknife for the past year.

She realized the North American toy industry does not cater to all groups of children by providing inclusive and diverse dolls.

“I searched all over the world and I found different companies that make these dolls,” she said.

“So, they’re all from different parts of the world. We …