Webkinz Foundation Helps Fight Global Pediatric AIDS
April 12, 2010
Contact: Robert Yule
202-448-8456
ryule@pedaids.org
Washington, D.C.—The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is pleased to announce a generous $90,000 donation from the Toronto-based Webkinz Foundation. This contribution was made following the Foundation’s recent participation in the Webkinz World™ Caring Valley™ initiative. The Caring Valley, an area of the popular children’s online virtual world, Webkinz World, is designed to help children learn about the value of caring and real-life charities that are helping children worldwide. As part of this initiative, the Webkinz Foundation has donated $960,000 to participating charities since November 2009.
“We appreciate the opportunity to have been a part of this innovative project, which teaches children about the importance of giving and philanthropy in such a fun environment,” said Foundation President and CEO Charles Lyons. “We applaud the Webkinz Foundation’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of children globally. A donation of this size goes a long way in bringing HIV prevention and care and treatment to children and their families in the countries where we work.”
“It is our pleasure to have contributed to the important work being done by the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation,” said Mindy Ganz, Executive Director of the Webkinz Foundation. “We appreciate that the Foundation supports international HIV prevention and treatment programs for children, mothers, and families, as well as conducts global advocacy and funds innovative research to eliminate pediatric AIDS. We wish the Foundation continued success in achieving this important mission.”
Specially marked Webkinz Caring Valley plush pets feature a special code that gives children an opportunity to plant virtual trees in themed valleys representing wish fulfillment, education, health care, medical research, and international programs. These valleys are all part of the online Caring Valley on the Webkinz World site.
Each valley also corresponds with a different philanthropic organization and includes a link that allows visitors to learn more about the associated charitable cause. As children play, the Caring Valley map reflects how many trees have been planted and progress toward filling each valley.
“Partnering with the Webkinz Foundation on this initiative provided the Foundation an opportunity to inform today’s children, who are tomorrow’s leaders, about the global AIDS pandemic,” added Lyons. “It helps show children they can make a difference, that they can be a part of eliminating HIV and AIDS in children worldwide.”
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About the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is a global leader in the fight against pediatric HIV and AIDS, working in 17 countries to implement prevention and care and treatment; to further advance innovative research; and to execute strategic and targeted global advocacy activities to bring dramatic change to the lives of millions of women, children, and families worldwide.