Corporate Social Responsibility Press Release
provided by 
8.20.2008 - 11:15am ET
News from:
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.
Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) Helps Save Endangered Animals With New World Wildlife Fund Furry Friend
(CSRwire) ST. LOUIS,MO. - August 20, 2008 - With its distinctive black and white
stripes, no animal is quite as renowned as the zebra. Unfortunately, two
species of these fauna fashionistas are currently at risk of becoming
endangered due to habitat loss. That's why Build-A-Bear Workshop(r) is
teaming up with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to announce the debut of the
newest member of the WWF Collectibear(R) plush animal collection: Zebra.
The Collectibear collection is a series of co-branded stuffed animals
developed by Build-A-Bear Workshop and WWF. Beginning August 22, the Zebra
plush will be sold at all Build-A-Bear Workshop stores in the United States
and Canada and at www.buildabear.com.
To help protect endangered animals, like the Zebra, and their habitats,
Build-A-Bear Workshop donates one dollar to WWF to support its global
conservation efforts for each Collectibear plush animal sold. Since the
first animal was introduced eight years ago, Build-A-Bear Workshop has
given nearly $1.8 million to WWF through the sales of the stuffed animal
series.
"We are a company with heart, and it is so important for us to be involved
in our communities and to support organizations that help make our
communities – and our world – a better place to live," said Maxine
Clark, founder and chief executive bear of Build-A-Bear Workshop. "Our
Guests have a tremendous compassion for animals in need, and we believe
our new Zebra will further help us raise money for WWF and their great
work."
The Zebra will be available in the United States for $25 ($29 in Canada)
and wears a collector's medallion. Each Zebra owner will also receive a
numbered Certificate of Authenticity by mail, further enhancing its value
to collectors.
"The WWF Collectibear(R) plush animal collection has provided a unique and
valuable fundraising source for helping us protect wildlife and wild
places," said Terry Macko, chief marketing officer for the World Wildlife
Fund. "The Grevy's Zebra and Mountain Zebra are on the endangered list and
both are threatened by habitat loss. We hope that the addition of the plush
Zebra at Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) stores will help raise awareness of the
Zebra and inspire people to help." Relatives of the horse, Zebras are
hoofed mammals that live in family groups of up to 17 and graze on African
grasslands. Each Zebra has a unique stripe pattern, which helps individual
Zebras recognize one another.
About World Wildlife Fund
For more than 45 years, WWF has been protecting the future of nature. The
largest multinational conservation organization in the world, WWF works in
100 countries and is supported by 1.2 million members in the United States
and close to 5 million globally. WWF's unique way of working combines
global reach with a foundation in science, involves action at every level
from local to global and ensures the delivery of innovative solutions that
meet the needs of both people and nature. For more information, visit worldwildlife.org.
About Build-A-Bear Workshop
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc., is the only global company that offers an
interactive make-your-own stuffed animal retail-entertainment experience.
The company currently operates more than 385 Build-A-Bear Workshop stores
worldwide, including company-owned stores in the U.S., Puerto Rico,
Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and France, and franchise stores in
Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. Founded in St. Louis in 1997,
Build-A-Bear Workshop is the leader in interactive retail. Brands include
make-your-own Major League Baseball(R) mascot in-stadium locations,
Build-A-Dino(R) stores and friends 2B made(R) doll locations. In December
2007, Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) extended its in-store interactive
experience online with the launch of its virtual world at www.buildabearville.com.
Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE: BBW) posted total revenue of $474 million in
fiscal 2007. For more information, call 888.560.BEAR (2327) or visit the
company's award-winning Web sites at www.buildabear.com and www.friends2Bmade.com.
TRADEMARKS
We would like to thank you for your interest in covering our business. As
you write your story, we would ask that you use our full name: Build-A-Bear
Workshop(R) and that when referencing the process of making stuffed animals
you use the word "make" not "build."
Build-A-Bear Workshop is our well-known trade name and our registered
trademark of Build-A-Bear Retail Management, Inc. Build-A-Bear
Workshop(R) should only be used in capital letters to refer to our
products and services and should not be used as a verb.
For more information please contact:
Jill Saunders
314.423.8000, x 5293
314.422.4523
Margaret Welch
314.727.5700, x 106
314.703.1215
www.buildabear.com
News Categories:
Philanthropy/Corporate Contributions and CSR - General
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