Showing posts with label Youth Related. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Youth Related. Show all posts

22 October 2020

Sesame Workshop's First-Ever Animated Sesame Street Special 'The Monster at the End of This Story' Launches On HBO Max On October 29

by
Sesame Workshop's First-Ever Animated Sesame Street Special 'The Monster at the End of This Story' Launches On HBO Max On October 29
Sesame Workshop's First-Ever Animated Sesame Street Special 'The Monster at the End of This Story' Launches On HBO Max On October 29 (image courtesy of Sesame Workshop)
Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind half a century of award-winning children's television, will launch its first-ever animated Sesame Street special "The Monster at the End of This Story" on Thursday, October 29 on HBO Max – and its star, Grover, is begging fans not to watch!
A reimagining of Sesame Street's all-time best-selling picture book "The Monster at the End of This Book," the special follows Grover's reluctant journey to the end of the story, where, based on the title, he believes a monster awaits. 

Drawn in the unmistakable style of the beloved book first published in 1971, the special adds new sequences, songs and surprises, and introduces other familiar Sesame Street characters, including Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and Rosita, to the tale.
"After nearly 50 years, the lesson in 'The Monster at the End of This Book' remains timeless: It's okay to feel afraid, but also important to have courage and keep moving forward in spite of those fears," said Kay Wilson Stallings, Sesame Workshop's Executive Vice President of Creative and Production. "We brought this classic story from page to screen in a way that will feel familiar to longtime fans and exciting and engaging for young viewers. By expanding the original narrative and adding new layers, we share a strong lesson in friendship, showing how Grover learns to manage his fear with the support of his friends."
In celebration of the upcoming special, Sesame Workshop today released a new video of "The Monster at the End of This Book" being read aloud by celebrities Kelsea Ballerini, Sofia Carson, Ciara, Stephen and Ayesha Curry, Josh Groban, Mykal-Michelle Harris, Lil Nas X, Ben Platt, Billy Porter, Maggie Rogers, Jordin Sparks, Hailee Steinfeld, Jason Sudeikis, Jonathan Van Ness, and Olivia Wilde


"The Monster at the End of This Story" is the official special of Sesame Street's 51st season, set to launch on HBO Max later this fall.

This special caps off the release of Sesame Workshop's series of "Monster"-themed content, digital activities, and product releases, which to-date have included an interactive "The Monster at the End of Your Story" video on Sesame Street's YouTube page (watch below), a "Monsterize Me!" avatar creator, the release of new editions of "The Monster at the End of This Book," and more. 


About Sesame Workshop:

Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, the pioneering television show that has been reaching and teaching children since 1969. Today, Sesame Workshop is an innovative force for change, with a mission to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. We're present in more than 150 countries, serving vulnerable children through a wide range of media, formal education, and philanthropically funded social impact programs, each grounded in rigorous research and tailored to the needs and cultures of the communities we serve. 

For more information, please visit sesameworkshop.org.
SOURCE: Sesame Workshop

11 October 2020

#FreetobeOnline - Instagram Teams Up With Girl Activists To Address Online Harassment

by
Instagram Teams Up With Girl Activists To Address Online Harassment
A Plan International survey of 14,000 girls in 22 countries, including Canada, reveals that more than half (58%) of those surveyed have been harassed and abused on social media. (CNW Group/Plan International Canada)
Social media platform to work with Plan International to kick off a series of listening sessions with girls from around the world, which will inform work across Facebook platforms
Girl activists will be teaming up with Instagram, in collaboration with global children's rights and gender equality organization Plan International, to address how the platform can respond to online harassment. 

This will include listening sessions with a diverse group of 15 youth activists who will provide insight into their own negative experiences to policy and product teams from Instagram. Insights will also be shared with Facebook and WhatsApp as part of this initiative.

This announcement comes on International Day of the Girl and follows a landmark survey by Plan International of 14,000 girls in 22 countries, including Canada, which revealed more than half (58%) of those surveyed have been harassed or abused on social media. Amongst the list of power holders that girls want to take action to tackle abuse, social media companies top the list, followed by governments, police and civil society organizations.
"Girls in our research identified social media companies as the critical actors responsible for ensuring safety from online harassment on their platforms. This partnership with Instagram is an encouraging first step and will help ensure girls' voices are not silenced," said Lindsay Glassco, President and CEO of Plan International Canada.
The sessions between the youth activists and Instagram will begin this November and will provide an opportunity to hear directly from girls about their lived experiences on social media. The aim is to create a dialogue about more ways the companies can continue to invest in protecting girls from bullying and harassment. The youth participating come from Benin, Brazil, Germany, India, Japan, Kenya, Philippines, Spain, UK and the US.
"Listening to girls who have experienced being harassed online is a crucial part of the process, to ensure that mechanisms being implemented to eliminate online harassment are truly effective," said Ramandeep, 15-year-old Youth Ambassador for Plan International Canada. "We need to amplify their voices to help create solutions to this issue."
Cindy Southworth, Head of Women's Safety at Facebook, said: "Abuse of women on the internet is a serious problem, one we tackle in a variety of ways – through technology that identifies and removes potentially abusive content, by enforcing strict policies and by talking with experts and people experiencing harassment or abuse."
"We know this is a particular challenge and really value the opportunity to work with Plan International and hear directly from young women affected by these issues so we can improve and ensure we are a platform where women feel safe."
#FreetobeOnline - Instagram Teams Up With Girl Activists To Address Online Harassment
Instagram Teams Up With Girl Activists To Address Online Harassment (image via Plan International Canada)
Girls around the world have written an open letter to social media companies, calling on them to create stronger and more effective ways to report abuse and harassment. This International Day of the Girl, Plan International Canada is standing with girls in their call, which includes developing better and more accessible reporting mechanisms, and stronger monitoring measures to identify and respond to cyberbullying and online harassment.

More than half of the girls surveyed in Canada say social media companies should do more to fight such issues on their platforms. Supporters of this call-to-action in Canada are encouraged to read and sign this letter, which will urge social media giants to enact significant changes and make online spaces safer for everyone.

Instagram Teams Up With Girl Activists To Address Online Harassment
Instagram Teams Up With Girl Activists To Address Online Harassment (image via Plan International Canada)

About Plan International Canada

Plan International Canada is a member of a global organization dedicated to advancing children's rights and equality for girls. We have been building powerful partnerships for children for over 80 years and are now active in more than 70 countries. 

  • Visit plancanada.ca for more information and follow @PlanCanada on social media to join the conversation.
SOURCE: Plan International Canada

3 October 2020

Peanuts Worldwide Launches Global "Take Care With Peanuts" Initiative As Charles Schulz's Comic Strip Celebrates its 70th Anniversary

by
Peanuts Worldwide Launches Global "Take Care With Peanuts" Initiative As Charles Schulz's Comic Strip Celebrates its 70th Anniversary
On October 2, 1950, Charlie Brown first appeared in the comics pages of seven American newspapers. In the following days and years, he was joined by friends Lucy and Linus, his sister Sally, and, of course, everyone’s favorite beagle, Snoopy. Seven decades later, the Peanuts gang has left an indelible mark on global pop culture around the world.
Drawing inspiration directly from Charles Schulz's beloved comic strips, Peanuts Worldwide announces a new multi-year initiative, Take Care With Peanuts, a campaign of caring that reminds all of us to be good global citizens.

The initiative launches on October 2, 2020, as Peanuts celebrates its 70th Anniversary.
Take Care With Peanuts features three vital messagesTake Care of Yourself (focused on physical and mental wellness), Take Care of Each Other (community and philanthropy), and Take Care of the Earth (nature and sustainability)—that inspire a major worldwide philanthropic endeavor, among other components.
"Take Care With Peanuts is an initiative after my own heart, as it celebrates all the themes that my husband featured regularly in his comic strip," says Jeanne Schulz, widow of Peanuts creator Charles Schulz. "Sparky shared messages of taking care of each other and respecting nature for years—he was always a man ahead of his time!"
Peanuts Worldwide Launches Global "Take Care With Peanuts" Initiative As Charles Schulz's Comic Strip Celebrates its 70th Anniversary
Tools of the Happiness Trade, Peanuts-Style: At The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in Sydney, Australia, patient Bella Conciatore celebrates the new Snoopy and Woodstock mural she helped paint, which will hang in the hospital as a gift from Peanuts Worldwide and the nonprofit Foundation for Hospital Art. The mural is one of 70 being donated to hospitals worldwide as part of the global “Take Care With Peanuts” initiative, launched October 2 in conjunction with the 70th Anniversary of Peanuts.

Philanthropy: Taking Care Worldwide

Philanthropic projects will be a key component of the initiative, starting with the Take Care With Peanuts Hospital Mural Program, a global collaboration between Peanuts Worldwide and the nonprofit Foundation for Hospital Art (FFHA). As part of FFHA's mission to bring joyful art to hospitals around the world, Peanuts is donating 70 Snoopy-and-Woodstock murals to hospitals on six continents. 

  • Among the international participating cities are Beijing, BogotĆ”, Cape Town, Paris, Seoul, Sydney, and Toronto (to name a few), along with 12 U.S. cities.
The program debuted on October 1 at One Brooklyn Health at Brookdale Hospital in New York, and at CHOC Children's Hospital in Orange, California. A combination of volunteers, hospital staff, and patients at both hospitals joined together to paint the 49" x 56" murals, which feature an easy-to-follow template creating a cheerful image of Snoopy and Woodstock enjoying a hearty laugh atop Snoopy's red-roofed doghouse. 

  • Each hospital around the world will feature the same mural, creating a global bond of community and caring.
The Foundation for Hospital Art project is just the beginning of a multi-year philanthropic enterprise, with charity partners in each Peanuts Worldwide territory joining the Take Care With Peanuts initiative.

Peanuts Worldwide Launches Global "Take Care With Peanuts" Initiative As Charles Schulz's Comic Strip Celebrates its 70th Anniversary
Flying High with Woodstock: Young patient Za’Naii Roundtree shows off her awesome painting skills as she contributes to a new Snoopy and Woodstock mural at Gillette Children’s in St. Paul, Minnesota--hometown of Peanuts creator Charles Schulz. The mural is one of 70 being donated to hospitals worldwide by Peanuts Worldwide and the nonprofit Foundation for Hospital Art as part of the global “Take Care With Peanuts” initiative, launched October 2in conjunction with the 70th Anniversary of Peanuts

Social Messaging Videos: Animated Stories Of Caring

Original 1-minute animated videos featuring the Peanuts characters will highlight Take Care themes throughout the initiative. The videos kick off on October 13 with Charlie Brown's sister Sally singing an original song, "Take Care." 

  • Starting in February 2021, ten original videos will be released each year, all­­­ dubbed into 10 languages.

Lesson Plans: Teaching Kids To Take Care

Starting November 2020 on peanuts.com, teachers and parents can download free standards-based lesson plans in 11 languages from the curriculum experts at Young Minds Inspired (YMI). Designed for students ages 4–11, the lesson plans will feature the Peanuts characters and Take Care themes will helping kids sharpen their STEM, Language Arts, and Social Studies skills.


Peanuts Worldwide Launches Global "Take Care With Peanuts" Initiative As Charles Schulz's Comic Strip Celebrates its 70th Anniversary
"The Snoopy Show".

Apple TV+: Taking Care With "The Snoopy Show"

A new Apple Original series, "The Snoopy Show," will debut globally February 5, 2021 on Apple TV+. Starring Snoopy and his many personas, one-third of the episodes will feature Take Care With Peanuts themes. 

  • "The Snoopy Show" is produced by WildBrain.
The Peanuts characters and related intellectual property are 41% owned by WildBrain Ltd. (TSX: WILD), 39% owned by Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., and 20% owned by family of Charles M. Schulz.

Snoopy Related Story:

28 September 2020

Superhero Captain Compassion Empowers Kids to Prevent Race-Based Bullying [Video Included]

by
Superhero Captain Compassion Empowers Kids to Prevent Race-Based Bullying
Superhero Captain Compassion Empowers Kids to Prevent Race-Based Bullying
This October, Committee for Children launches its third annual Captain Compassion campaign to teach kids how to use their bystander power to put a stop to bullying.
After this summer's protests over racial discrimination and police brutality, many families and educators are seeking resources to help teach children the value of diverse, equitable, and inclusive communities. 

According to the United States Department of Education, although Black students make up 15 percent of student enrollment nationwide, 35 percent of Black students report being bullied or harassed on the basis of their race—more than any other racial group. Research also shows that one in five students report seeing hate-related graffiti at school. 

In response, bullying prevention superhero Captain Compassion and sidekick Kid Kinder are back to empower kids and adults to use their bystander power and provide guidance on how to recognize, report, and refuse race-based bullying.

Superhero Captain Compassion Empowers Kids to Prevent Race-Based Bullying
Activate Your Power to Prevent Bullying. Visit CaptainCompassion.org!
"Children of color are especially vulnerable right now," says bullying prevention expert and campaign spokesperson Dr. Jasmine Williams. "With COVID-19 disproportionately impacting minority communities and with social media both elevating imagery of police brutality and providing a platform to target youth with hateful words and images, now is the time to empower our nation's youth to value diversity, activate their bystander power, and prioritize preventing bullying and harassment."
Captain Compassion has the power to inspire others to be kind and respectful in challenging situations. In this year's comics, she guides Kid Kinder after he's bullied in an online video game because of his race. Written in collaboration with Mahogany L. Browne, the author of Woke Baby, the story shows children and adults the impact of race-based bullying and how they can use their bystander power to address it.

CaptainCompassion.org, provides families and educators with free, approachable, and research-based bullying prevention tips and tactics, including engaging comics, a Decoder Wheel activity for kids, videos, downloadable posters, and more

Superhero Captain Compassion Empowers Kids to Prevent Race-Based Bullying
Superhero Captain Compassion Empowers Kids to Prevent Race-Based Bullying
  • To read the comics, download the Decoder Wheel, and learn how you can activate your bystander power to prevent bullying, visit CaptainCompassion.org.

About Committee for Children:

Committee for Children is a global nonprofit that has championed the safety and well-being of children through bullying prevention, child protection, and social-emotional learning (SEL) for more than 40 years. 


With a history of action and influence, we're known as a leader in social-emotional education and a force in advocacy, research, and innovation in the field. We take a comprehensive approach to SEL, promoting social-emotional well-being from birth to early adulthood—supporting not just classrooms, but entire communities. 


As our programs transform the lives of more than 16.5 million children per year, we rise to meet societal challenges to ensure children everywhere can thrive. 


Learn more at cfchildren.org.

The Video:


SOURCE: Committee for Children

25 September 2020

#HalloweenIsHappening: The Story of Halloween in the Year 2020 [Video Included]

by
#HalloweenIsHappening: The Story of Halloween in the Year 2020
#HalloweenIsHappening: The Story of Halloween in the Year 2020
The story of Halloween 2020 is shaping up to be one for the record books. From PVC pipe candy slides going viral on social media to major, thought-leading media outlets and prominent elected officials declaring that Halloween is happening, creative and safe approaches are driving the national narrative in a way that showcases consumer optimism for a fun and unique Halloween season.
"There's no question that Halloween will look different this year, and innovative approaches endorsed by the CDC like outdoor, one-way trick-or-treating can bring a little fun to the fall," John Downs, president & CEO of the National Confectioners Association, said. "Hyperlocal decision-making will determine whether this Halloween season means trick-or-treating with the appropriate safety precautions, more candy bowl moments at home with family and close friends, or just more time for celebrating the season in October."
#HalloweenIsHappening: The Story of Halloween in the Year 2020
#HalloweenIsHappening: The Story of Halloween in the Year 2020

Americans are ready for Halloween:

  • 80% of people believe that they will find creative and safe ways to celebrate the Halloween season this year. This is up from just 63% two months earlier in July. (NCA, Morning Consult)
  • 66% of people say they will trick-or-treat this year, whether handing out the candy or going out with their children. (NCA)
  • 74% of millennial moms and young parents say that Halloween 2020 is more important than ever. (The Harris Poll)
  • 80% of the general public and 90% of millennial moms and young parents say they can't imagine Halloween without chocolate and candy, and that trick-or-treating is irreplaceable. (The Harris Poll)

Public health experts and top opinion leaders – Halloween is happening!

Governors from several states have joined a growing wave of approval and support for a safe and creative Halloween 2020 – including public health experts like the CDC, community leaders, newspaper editorial boards and columnists who say that we can prioritize safety and still enjoy this fall with Halloween celebrations that last all October long. Recent guidance from the CDC reinforces that Halloween is happening and provides inspiration for creative and safe approaches to celebrating the holiday throughout the month of October.

Halloween candy sales are up:

NCA recently released data that shows Halloween chocolate and candy sales are up this year. For the latest four weeks ending September 6 versus the same period in 2019, total Halloween chocolate & candy sales are up 13% - growth that is driven by Halloween chocolate, which is up 25.3%.

The Video:

A Halloween History Story:

(via Halloween Central)
The origins of Halloween date back to pre-Christian times to Celtic groups in areas now known as Ireland, Scotland and Wales. According to most scholars, a great fire festival called Samhein signaled the close of the harvest and the initiation of the cold and dark season of winter. A variety of folklore and customs became associated with the celebration.


Folk custom claimed that on this night, the doors between the world of the dead and the world of the living opened. All the spirits of the people who died during the previous year were thought to be traveling from their resting place on earth to their final resting place in the next world. The Celts placed food and drink out to sustain the spirits, and people concealed their identity with disguises to escape harm while they walked from house to house to enjoy food and drink (much like trick-or-treating today). Many people also carved turnips to represent faces, marking the origination of today’s jack-o-lanterns. When Christianity took root in northern Europe, these folk customs were incorporated into a Christian framework. The celebrations in Ireland, Scotland and Wales eventually became All Saints’ Day, a day to commemorate all dead saints and martyrs. All Saints’ Day was sometimes known as All Hallows’ Day, and the night before was called All Hallows’ Eve, or Hallowe’en, which we today call Halloween. Although the celebrations did acquire a distinctly religious tone, many folk customs were still observed.

Settlers and immigrants from these regions brought their folk customs to America, where they took root and evolved over the years. Halloween was originally celebrated in America as a harvest festival. Carved turnips became carved pumpkins, which grew in abundance in America. Colorful costumes replaced disguises, and trick-or-treating evolved from presenting food and drink to the wandering spirits. [...]

#HalloweenIsHappening: The Story of Halloween in the Year 2020
#HalloweenIsHappening: The Story of Halloween in the Year 2020

About Halloween Central:

AlwaysATreat.com/HalloweenCentral hosts inspiration for celebrating a socially distanced but not socially awkward Halloween season.

About the National Confectioners Association:

The National Confectioners Association is the trade organization that advances, protects and promotes the unique role of chocolate, candy, gum and mints in a happy, balanced lifestyle and the companies that make these special treats. 

23 September 2020

#WeKnowPlay: The Toy Insider Experts Help Shoppers Sleigh the Holidays with the Hottest Toys of 2020 [Video Included]

by
#weknowplay: The Toy Insider Experts Help Shoppers Sleigh the Holidays with the Hottest Toys of 2020
Star Wars The Child Animatronic Edition (Hasbro)
The Toy Insider today unveiled its expert picks for the best kids' toys and gifts in its 15th annual holiday gift guide

The hottest and most coveted items for 2020 are broken out into three lists: the Hot 20 (the most wished-for items of the year), the STEM 10 (science, technology, engineering and math toys that make learning fun) and the 12 Under $12 (affordable toys packed with play value and unboxing experiences).

Shopping for holiday gifts will look different this year as the Coronavirus pandemic continues: social distancing guidelines are still in place, limiting the number of in-store shoppers; retailers are starting holiday promotions earlier; and consumers are increasingly conscious of their spending during a tough economic year.
"This holiday shopping season will be unlike any other. It will be in your best interest to plan ahead and grab these hot toys before you start carving out your pumpkins," said Laurie Schacht, Chief Toy Officer, The Toy Insider. "Playtime offers a powerful way of coping with the world we live in, and the wide assortment of toys we reviewed for this year's holiday gift guide showcase the innovative, creative and affordable ways toymakers are serving the needs of families during challenging times."
  • This year's hand-picked selections represent an extensive variety of open-ended toys to keep kids busy; screen-free playthings filled with educational value; toys that promote diversity, sustainability, and accessibility; and affordable toys that fit any budget, among many more categories that are sure to please kids of all ages this holiday season.
#weknowplay: The Toy Insider Experts Help Shoppers Sleigh the Holidays with the Hottest Toys of 2020
PokƩmon Trading Card Game Battle Academy (The PokƩmon Co.)

The Toy Insider's Hot 20

0-2 years
  • Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Grow-the-Fun Garden to Kitchen (Mattel)
  • Speak & Learn Puppy (LeapFrog)
3-4 years
  • Blippi Recycling Truck (Jazwares)
  • Blues Clues & You! Dance-Along Blue Plush (Just Play)
  • Barbie Color Reveal Slumber Party Fun (Mattel)
  • HEXBUG Nanotopia (HEXBUG)
  • Pinkfong Baby Shark Dancing DJ (WowWee)
  • PJ Masks Transforming 2 in 1 Mobile HQ (Just Play)
  • Ryan's World Shadow Warrior Ninja Mystery Box (Bonkers Toys)
  • Star Wars The Child Animatronic Edition (Hasbro)
5-7 years
  • KidiZoom Creator Cam (VTech)
  • LEGO Super Mario Adventure Starter Course (The LEGO Group)
  • Present Pets (Spin Master)
  • Rainbow High Fashion Dolls (MGA Entertainment)
  • Squeakee the Balloon Dog (Moose Toys)
  • Zoe (Healthy Roots Dolls)
8+ years
  • Beyblade Burst Rise Hypersphere Vortex Climb Battle Set (Hasbro)
  • Chocolate Pen (Skyrocket)
  • PokĆ©mon Trading Card Game Battle Academy (The PokĆ©mon Co.)
  • Snap Ships Gladius AC-75 Drop Ship (PlayMonster)
#weknowplay: The Toy Insider Experts Help Shoppers Sleigh the Holidays with the Hottest Toys of 2020
JIMU Robot Mythical Series: Firebot Kit (UBTECH Robotics)

The Toy Insider's STEM 10

  • 3D Build & Play (3Doodler)
  • Apollo — A Game Inspired by the NASA Moon Missions (Buffalo Games)
  • Blockaroo (Blue Marble)
  • Botley 2.0 The Coding Robot (Learning Resources)
  • Circuit Explorer (Educational Insights)
  • Crayola STEAM Paper Flower Science Kit (Crayola)
  • DIY Music Maker Science Lab (hand2mind)
  • JIMU Robot Mythical Series: Firebot Kit (UBTECH Robotics)
  • Mega Cyborg Hand (Thames & Kosmos)
  • National Geographic Science Magic (Blue Marble)
#weknowplay: The Toy Insider Experts Help Shoppers Sleigh the Holidays with the Hottest Toys of 2020
Cats vs. Pickles (Cepia)

The Toy Insider's 12 Under $12

  • 5 Surprise Mini Brands Series 2 (ZURU)
  • Blume Petal Pets (Skyrocket)
  • Butter Cloudz Castle Bucket (WeCool Toys)
  • Cats vs. Pickles (Cepia)
  • Curligirls (Basic Fun!)
  • Glitter Burst (YULU)
  • Junkbots (HEXBUG)
  • Kitten Catfe Purrista Girls (JAKKS Pacific)
  • L.O.L. Surprise! Present Surprise (MGA Entertainment)
  • Oh! My Gif – 1-Bit Pack (Moose Toys)
  • Ravel Tales (Sunny Days Entertainment)
  • Something Wild Card Games (Funko Games)
The Toy Insider's 2020 holiday gift guide will appear in the November issue of PARENTS magazine, on newsstands on Oct. 5. An extended guide appears online at thetoyinsider.com starting today. This year's print guide features nearly 160 toys, and an additional 150 toys can be found online, representing more than 110 toy companies in total.
  • Parents and gift-givers can easily search for toys and games by a child's age (broken out into 0-2, 3-4, 5-7 and 8+ age groups). They can also view the guide online with their children to create a wish list of favorite toys, making holiday shopping easy for friends and family.
  • The Toy Insider is an independent organization. Its team of experts attends major toy industry trade shows and events, and conducts briefings with manufacturers, retailers and analysts throughout the year. The Toy Insider gift guide submission process is open to all toy companies, of all sizes. Toys must be new for 2020 and available to consumers for purchase for the holiday season, either on the company's website or widely available through any retail partner. When evaluating toys, the team considers play value, originality, skill building, product integrity and, of course, fun factor.

The Video:


  • To join in the holiday toy fun on social media this season, use #weknowplay and find @TheToyInsider on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
The Toy Insider is published by Adventure Media & Events, publisher of The Pop Insider, a daily pop culture news and review site that fuels fandoms, as well as leading trade publication The Toy Book
SOURCE: The Toy Insider

22 September 2020

New UNICEF Canada Campaign Keeps Halloween Spirit Alive for Kids Across the Country [Video Included]

by
New UNICEF Canada Campaign Keeps Halloween Spirit Alive for Kids Across the Country
UNICEF Halloween Walk-a-thon: Walk your hood, do some good. (CNW Group/Canadian Unicef Committee)
UNICEF Canada, long-associated with fond trick-or-treating memories for many Canadians, is launching a new reimagined initiative for celebrating Halloween during the COVID-19 pandemic—the UNICEF Halloween Walk-a-thon
The campaign encourages families across Canada to turn their trick-or-treating steps into a safe, socially distanced walk-a-thon throughout their neighbourhood during the Halloween season. It also reintroduces a digital version of UNICEF's iconic orange box to enable children to celebrate and raise money in a physically distanced way.

  • Like all major celebrations in 2020, Halloween will look and feel a little different this year. In addition to school closures, games cancelled, birthdays with no parties, a new survey commissioned by UNICEF Canada reveals that only one third of Canadian parents plan to send their kids trick-or-treating this year, and less than half plan to give out candy.
Children across the country have missed many childhood milestones to help stop the spread of COVID-19, but parents are continuing to look for ways to keep hope—and fun—alive. In fact, 6 out of 10 Canadian parents said they are looking for safe, socially-distanced Halloween activities this year.

New UNICEF Canada Campaign Keeps Halloween Spirit Alive for Kids Across the Country
GFORCE (image via UNICEF Canada)
To keep the Halloween spirit alive, UNICEF Canada's Halloween program has adapted by encouraging children to dress up in their costumes, walk their neighbourhood with their families or bubble and thrill their community while supporting kids in need around the world. The safe, socially distanced walk-a-thon can take place throughout their neighbourhood on Halloween or any time during October.
"Kids have sacrificed some of their childhoods to help stop the spread of COVID-19. They've missed school, sports, graduations, and other milestones of being young," said Rowena Pinto, Chief Program Officer at UNICEF Canada. "The UNICEF Halloween Walk-a-thon offers families a safe, unique opportunity to celebrate Halloween while helping protect the world's most vulnerable children from the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic. It allows kids to help other kids—but also allows them to just be kids themselves."
New UNICEF Canada Campaign Keeps Halloween Spirit Alive for Kids Across the Country
Johnny and Lauren Orlando (image via UNICEF Canada)
UNICEF Canada is also excited to announce its newest Halloween Champions, singer-songwriter and pop superstar Johnny Orlando—who just dropped his latest smash single 'Everybody Wants You' off his upcoming sophomore EP, scheduled for release this fall—and actor and social media influencer Lauren Orlando. 

They will join GFORCE, a musical group of young girls from the Toronto area who made it all the way to the quarterfinals on America's Got Talent in supporting UNICEF's Halloween Walk-a-thon.
"Kids have the ability to make the world a better place. I'm excited to join the UNICEF Halloween Walk-a-thon to provide a safe, socially distanced activity that not only keeps the spirit of Halloween alive, but empowers kids to make a difference," said Johnny Orlando. "I'm encouraging my dedicated fanbase, which includes millions of empathetic and engaged kids from around the world to embrace their ability to defend the rights of other kids to grow up happy and healthy."

The Video:

How can Canadians participate in the UNICEF Halloween Walk-a-thon? 

Children, families and adults can become Halloween Heroes by joining our walk-a-thon and setting up their own fundraising page at unicef.ca/Halloween. Participants who sign up by 9 October 2020 will receive a walk-a-thon package in the mail, including an exclusive Halloween Hero Card with a QR code to help collect digital donations—a new digital form of UNICEF's orange box. Money raised goes towards providing essentials like water, nutrition, education and health care to children in need around the world.

Bonus Video:

Creative agency Juniper Park\TBWA partnered with UNICEF Canada to develop the UNICEF Halloween Walk-a-thon campaign. PHD Canada, a communications planning and media buying agency, is providing marketing support.
New UNICEF Canada Campaign Keeps Halloween Spirit Alive for Kids Across the Country
Sophie NĆ©lisse (image via UNICEF Canada)

20 September 2020

Genovation Cars Announces Design Competition Winners

by
Genovation Cars Announces Design Competition Winners
Genovation Cars Announces Design Competition Winners (Credit: Job Skandera)
Genovation Cars Inc. in collaboration with the College for Creative Studies, announces the scholarship winners and their designs of a reimagined exterior for Genovation's GXE all-electric supercar, currently holding the world speed record of 211.8mph which was witnessed and certified by the International Mile Racing Association (IMRA).

SCHOLARSHIP PRIZE AMOUNTS

  • First Place: $3,000 – Job Skandera
  • Second Place: $1,000 – Raymond Gonet Jr.
  • Third Place: $750 – Benjamin Treinen
  • Honorable Mention: $250 – Dane Hamilton
  • Honorable Mention: $250 – Ali Shoghimojarad
Genovation Cars Announces Design Competition Winners
Genovation Cars Announces Design Competition Winners (Credit: Job Skandera)

JUDGING PARAMETERS

  • The winning design were judged based on these criteria:
  • Defines a unique American exotic supercar
  • Avoids encumbering high performance aerodynamics
  • Reflects Genovation's commitment to innovation, creativity, and cutting-edge electric vehicle technology

JUDGES

  • Andrew Saul, CEO of Genovation Cars, Inc.
  • Julie Barnard, President of Centigrade Inc.
  • Ken Lingenfelter, Owner and President of Lingenfelter Performance Engineering, Lingenfelter Motor Sports, and the Lingenfelter Collection
  • Gordon Platto, Design Director, NA Ford Cars and CUV's
  • Ed Welburn, General Motors Vice President of Global Design (retired), Movie Executive Producer, Member of the CCS Board of Trustees
Genovation Cars Announces Design Competition Winners
Genovation Cars Announces Design Competition Winners (Credit: Job Skandera)
"I am honored to be a part of this extraordinary opportunity from Genovation Cars and The College for Creative Studies. This design challenge has helped me grow immensely, and I'm looking forward to learning more in continuing through development," said Job Skandera. "I want to thank Genovation and CCS for the scholarship and the recognition. All the glory belongs to God, who's hand gives every beautiful and perfect thing."
"The Genovation Team was extremely impressed with the submissions," said Andrew Saul, CEO of Genovation Cars, Inc. "The high level of creativity is a credit to the student's design sense and the role The College for Creative Studies played in mentoring these talented individuals. It was a great honor to be on a judging panel with such automotive luminaries. We very much look forward to future collaborations."
"The College for Creative Studies Transportation Design Department wishes to extend their gratitude for this competition offered by Genovation. The brief, based on adherence to an existing platform, was a significant real-world experience for our students and recent graduates. I am proud to say they rose to the challenge. Also, many thanks go out to the panel of prestigious judges that brought so much richness to the experience. In addition to becoming a valuable portfolio piece for these rising stars, having the opportunity to present to you and receive your valuable feedback was an honor they will hold in their hearts as they transition into their professional careers." 
Paul Snyder, Paul & Helen Farago Chair of Transportation Design.
Genovation Cars Announces Design Competition Winners
Genovation Cars Announces Design Competition Winners (Credit: Job Skandera)

About Genovation GXE

The GXE was designed from the ground up to have a low center of gravity and near 50/50 weight distribution: a true driver's car. The GXE also comes equipped with a programmable active suspension, carbon ceramic Brembo® brakes, state-of-the-art carbon fiber wheels supplied by Carbon Revolution, ultra-high fidelity 10-speaker JBL stereo, a 10.4-inch custom high definition center console touchscreen and bespoke exterior and interior. The all-electric supercar comes available with either a 7-speed manual – an all-electric supercar category exclusive – or an 8-speed paddle shift automatic transmission.

In normal driving operation, the Genovation GXE delivers a range of more than 175 miles on a full battery charge, imperative to ultra-high performance and efficient daily-driver convenience.

The Genovation GXE will be produced in a limited-edition run of 75 units, with initial customer deliveries scheduled in 2021.

Genovation Cars Announces Design Competition Winners
Genovation Cars Announces Design Competition Winners (Credit: Job Skandera)

About College for Creative Studies

Located in the heart of Detroit and ranked third among U.S. art and design colleges by LinkedIn for alumni success, the College for Creative Studies (CCS) is a world-class institution that educates artists and designers to be leaders in the creative professions. A private, fully accredited college, CCS enrolls more than 1,400 students pursuing Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees.


Students in the BFA program can major in Advertising Design, Communication Design, Crafts, Entertainment Arts, Fashion Accessories Design, Fine Arts, Illustration, Interior Design, Photography, Product Design, and Transportation Design, in addition to a dual major Art Education program. Students in the MFA program can major in Color and Materials Design, Interaction Design, Integrated Design, and Transportation Design.

Genovation Cars Announces Design Competition Winners
Genovation Cars Announces Design Competition Winners - First Place: Job Skandera (Credit: Job Skandera)

17 September 2020

According to New Survey, 85% of Cat Owners Experience Therapeutic Benefits from Their Cat

by
Purina Cat Chow is donating $30,000 to Pet Partners to encourage the training and registration of therapy cat teams like Tommy the blind cat and his owner Christy.
According to a recent survey conducted by Purina Cat Chow, 85 percent of cat owners agree that they have had therapeutic benefits from their cats and that becoming a cat owner has improved their quality of life (86 percent). While three-fourths of cat owners agree that society does not understand the benefits of having a cat, nearly all (94 percent) agree that many people can benefit from spending time with cats.

Purina Cat Chow recognizes the benefits of cats as therapy animals and like Pet Partners wants to improve health and well-being through the human-animal bond, a mutually beneficial relationship that improves the physical, social, and emotional lives of both animals and people who interact with them regularly.
"While most people tend to associate therapy animals with dogs, cats also provide a variety of mental and physiological benefits," said Dr. Annie Valuska, Ph.D., senior pet behavior expert at Purina Cat Chow. "Cat owners often have lower stress levels than non-pet owners, which can improve blood pressure and cardiovascular health over time. Cats can also boost our mental health, decreasing feelings of loneliness and increasing a sense of purpose."
Purina Cat Chow's recent survey confirmed that while most (94 percent) pet owners associate dogs with animal-assisted therapy, only 41 percent of pet owners associate cats with therapy animals. 

  • However, more people, especially cat owners, understand the special benefits cats provide, with 72 percent of cat owners believing cats could be effective therapy partners and 60 percent interested in learning more about how their cat could potentially improve others' lives.
Cats of all kinds can become great therapy animals. Take Tommy the blind cat for example. Even after losing his sight, the eight-year-old tabby passed his therapy pet evaluation with excellence. Now, as a registered therapy cat with Pet Partners, he loves helping people of all ages with his handler, Christy Santoro.
"For pet owners seeking to keep their therapy cats healthy and prepared to serve their communities, it is important to ensure their cats receive balanced nutrition, like that found in Purina Cat Chow, in addition to plenty of rest between visits. It's also key for owners to keep the bond strong with their cats, prioritizing time for play and affection," adds Valuska.
According to New Survey, 85% of Cat Owners Experience Therapeutic Benefits from Their Cat (image via Catster)
As people spend more time at home with their cats, Purina Cat Chow and Pet Partners encourage cat owners to learn how to become a therapy animal team with your cat. Thanks in part to Purina Cat Chow's donation, Pet Partners is offering online training courses and discounted registration of therapy cat teams. Cats and cat owners can give back without even having to leave their homes. Together, Cat Chow and Pet Partners are working to enhance the well-being of local communities with the help of cats.

About Pet Partners:

Pet Partners is the national leader in demonstrating and promoting the health and wellness benefits of animal-assisted interventions. Since the organization's inception in 1977, the science proving these benefits has become indisputable. With more than 13,000 registered teams making more than 3 million visits annually, Pet Partners serves as the nation's most prestigious nonprofit registering handlers of multiple species as volunteer teams. Pet Partners teams visit with patients in recovery, people with intellectual disabilities, seniors living with Alzheimer's, students, veterans with PTSD, and those approaching end of life, improving human health and well-being through the human-animal bond. With the recent release of its Standards of Practice for Animal-Assisted Interventions and international expansion, Pet Partners is globally recognized as the industry gold standard. 

About the Survey:

This survey was conducted by Dynata on behalf of Purina Cat Chow. The survey was conducted among a sample size of 2,500 pet owners across the U.S. Data was collected between August 14-24, 2020 and was carried out online. These online surveys are not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

Related Videos: 



SOURCE: Purina Cat Chow

You Might Also Like