Christchurch 4-year-old Kyi loves Toyota's big sedan so much, he insisted on a Camry-themed birthday party - and got it thanks to local dealer Ilam Toyota.
Mum Brooke Vincent says the Camry-themed party concept gathered momentum from small beginnings. As a single parent who'd just turned 30 and just bought her own home, she had decided earlier this year that they'd skip a big party for Kyi this year and make an extra effort next year for the milestone 5th.
But on a trip to visit his grandparents, Kyi was told he could pick a birthday present at Kmart, and sprinted straight to the toy car aisle for a... Toyota Camry. From that moment on it was "game over", says Brooke.
“He’s always loved cars, but this was next level,” she says. “We talked about party themes with his dad, and he was completely adamant. It had to be a Toyota Camry theme. Nothing else.”
Still trying to keep it modest, Brooke emailed Ilam Toyota to ask if they had any merchandise she could buy for his Toyota party.
CEO Mark Mills went above and beyond, asking store staff to organise a loan of Ilam's Camry demonstrator to Brooke so she could surprise Kyi at preschool, sign a birthday card and supply some Toyota colouring-in sheets.
“He walked out and saw the Camry sitting there and was so excited,” says Brooke. “He walked around and called it amazing. He couldn’t believe he got to sit in a real-life one.”
At home, the birthday cake featured a Camry, complete with towbar and trailer. There was a custom Toyota piñata and sugar cookies iced with the Toyota logo.
Brooke says the experience genuinely surprised her: “From the staff signing the card to the GM taking the time to talk to me about Kyi, everyone was just so genuine. It wasn’t about selling anything. It was about making a little boy feel special.”
Kyi can identify a Camry, RAV4 and Hilux on the road – helped along by Brooke’s partner, Alex, who recently bought his first Hilux. He also has opinions on vehicle accessories, especially towbars. “He checks every Toyota we drive past,” Brooke says. “In his mind, every car needs a towbar. Non-negotiable.” Hence the cake.