Do you know what GRAMMY® award-winning singer Natalie Cole, Camp Rock star Meaghan Martin and David Archuleta of “American Idol” fame have in common? One has to wonder, I mean they’re not collaborating on an album together are they?Well, what makes them all bond is something called the 2009 Love. Hugs. Peace movement. This is a global giving campaign created by Build-A-Bear Workshop®. This program gives young people around the world a fun and easy way to give back
and these talented artists have allowed their vocal talents to be used in the movements signature song “Let’s Talk About Love” which helps spread the message of sharing and love while it also benefits Save the Children.®“When Build-A-Bear Workshop invited me to be part of its Love. Hugs. Peace. movement, I couldn't resist,” said Natalie Cole, the latest artist to support the cause. “As a mom, I always tried to instill in my son the importance of giving back. The Love. Hugs. Peace. movement teaches that lesson beautifully."
Each artist gave their own rendition and style to “Let’s Talk About Love”. Cole’s adult contemporary version of “Let’s Talk About Love” will be released on Saturday, May 2 to celebrate Mother’s Day; Martin’s more pop-style take on the song debuts Friday, April 17. Archuleta’s ballad-type song variation, unveiled in February, is still available, and additional artists are set to jump on board to record the song as the movement continues throughout the year.Kids (and adults) can visit www.buildabear.com/lovehugspeace or any participating Build-A-Bear Workshop store and receive a free download card of “Let’s Talk About Love” performed by the artist of their choice as a thank you for their $1 donation to Save the Children. From April 17 through April 30, for each Meaghan Martin song download, Build-A-Bear Workshop will match its Guests donations up to an additional $10,000 USD to Save the Children.
To date, with the help of its Guests, Build-A-Bear Workshop has already
raised more than $100,000 to support Save the Children. In addition, nearly 150,000 kids from around the world have joined the movement at www.buildabear.com/lovehugspeace and made a love, hugs or peace pledge to do something small to make the world a better place. Whether it’s making a promise to volunteer time to a cause, share a special moment with a friend, assist a grandparent or elderly person, write a thank you note or help save the earth, young people are accepting the challenge to do their part to make a difference one act of kindness at a time.“Love. Hugs. Peace. is about how everyone, no matter how young or old they are, can help to make the world a better place,” said Maxine Clark, founder and chief executive bear of
Build-A-Bear Workshop and mastermind behind the movement. “Together friends can make a world of difference, and it can all start with a hug and a song!”
New Exclusive Merchandise
The Love. Hugs. Peace. movement is represented by three icons: a heart, a teddy bear and a peace sign. These graphic elements will be featured on various Build-A-Bear Workshop fashions and furry friends throughout the year. Plus, an exclusive series of Love. Hugs. Peace. bear-sized tees (prices range from $5 - $6.50) has been designed to keep the momentum of the movement going. Build-A-Bear Workshop will donate $.25 to Save the Children from the sale of these tees. A new Love. Hugs. Peace. rhinestone tank will debut both in-store and online on April 17 to coincide with the launch of Meaghan Martin’s song rendition. In addition, a world peace tiny tee also will be available for purchase.
Virtual Components
The movement extends to buildabearville.com®, the Build-A-Bear Workshop virtual world which today engages more than 8 million citizens. The Chloe Show, the virtual world’s celebrity interview segment, will feature a special behind-the-scenes interview with Meaghan Martin from April 17-30. And, when Guests make their $1 donation to Save the Children to receive the Meaghan Martin song download card, they will also get an exclusive virtual outfit code to use in buildabearville.com.®
About Save the Children
Save the Children reaches girls and boys in the United States and more than 120 countries. The contribution being made to Save the Children through the Build-A-Bear Workshop Love. Hugs. Peace. movement will support its immediate and long-term programs that help ensure children are protected, healthy and well-nourished, learn and develop, and live in food-secure and economically viable households. For more information visit www.savethechildren.org.
