Hasbro Zambi the Baby Elephant Announced – Proceeds to Benefit Children in Africa
Written on Feb 18, 2009 by Brian and filed under Hasbro, News
We saw a lot of great tech toys at Toy Fair this year, but only one combined technology, fun and a social message. Hasbro used Toy Fair to launch Project Zambi. Zambi is a baby elephant which is part of their Furreal Friends animated plush line. Hasbro will be donating half of all profits from Zambi the Baby Elephant to children who have been orphaned as a result of the AIDS epidemic in Africa.
Bottom line, if you have kids who are longing for something in the Furreal Friends line, there are a lot of choices, but none offer the message and opportunity to have a serious conversation with your kids about those less fortunate. When Zambi the Baby Elephant hits this holiday season, the message is even more poignant. According to estimates, there are 15 million children who have been orphaned as a result of AIDS in Africa. Kids may not understand the gravity of the situation, but knowing their new elephant friend is helping children who are much worse off is something all kids will understand.
Zambi the Baby Elephant features soft and cuddly ears and feet that are covered in a special fabric pattern designed by boys and girls from Zambia in one of the communities dedicated to caring for children orphaned by AIDS. Like the other animals in the Furreal Friends line of “come to life” plush pets, Zambi interacts with kids and has a distinct personality. He will play, blow kisses, raise his trunk, and trumpet his elephant call. Zambi also features a sensor in his trunk so he can hold onto your finger and “shake” your hand. We spent a few minutes with Zambi and thought his interactions were very well done and appreciate the attention to detail of the designs the kids made for Zambi’s ears.
Zambi the Baby Elephant is designed for kids ages 4 and up and will be available this fall for a retail price of $49.99. Hasbro will donate half of their profits from Zambi with a minimum commitment of $500,000.
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