The toy brand is honoring six women who are modern real-life heroes of the pandemic with their own one-of-a-kind Barbie doll made in their likeness.
August 06, 2021
Mattel has announced that Barbie will donate USD 5 for each eligible Barbie doctor, nurse, and paramedic doll sold at Target to the First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF), benefiting the children of first responders. These dedicated heroes have worked tirelessly in the fight against COVID-19 since the pandemic began.
This move is a continuation of Mattel’s #ThankYouHeroes signature program, launched last year as part of the company’s broader “Play it Forward” platform, focused on leveraging Mattel’s iconic brands to give back to communities in times of need.
“Barbie recognizes that all frontline workers have made tremendous sacrifices when confronting the pandemic and the challenges it heightened,” said Lisa McKnight, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Barbie & Dolls, Mattel. “To shine a light on their efforts, we are sharing their stories and leveraging Barbie’s platform to inspire the next generation to take after these heroes and give back. Our hope is to nurture and ignite the imaginations of children playing out their own storyline as heroes.”
The global lineup of women honored with a one-of-a-kind doll includes: Amy O’Sullivan, RN (United States), Dr. Audrey Sue Cruz (United States), Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa (Canada), Professor Sarah Gilbert (United Kingdom), Dr. Jaqueline Goes de Jesus (Brazil), and Dr. Kirby White (Australia)
Jillian Crane, President of First Responders Children’s Foundation, said “Mattel and Barbie showed up for First Responders Children’s Foundation at the beginning of the pandemic. With their generous donations, we gave some joy to children across the country during a very difficult and scary time. With Mattel’s financial support, we bought thousands of hotel room nights with food stipends for first responders on the frontlines.”
Also Read: ThankYouHeroes-New toy line by Mattel honors doctors, nurses, and other frontline workers
Barbie is also introducing the Fast Cast Clinic playset, with a Barbie doctor doll and four distinct play areas: a medical station, an exam table, an x-ray machine, and a gift shop. The innovative new set includes dough that can be shaped to create leg/arm casts and create wraps with the bandage maker, allowing children to play out roles across the medical field.
