Press release
Say G’day to American Girl’s 2021 Girl of the Year—Kira Bailey!
New Character Takes Fans Down Under to Explore Wildlife Protection and Climate Change Brand Raises Awareness and Funds for WIRES—Australia’s Largest Wildlife
About this update from Mattel, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"\nNew Character Takes Fans Down Under to Explore Wildlife Protection and Climate Change\n\nBrand Raises Awareness and Funds for WIRES—Australia’s Largest Wildlife Rescue Organization\n\n MIDDLETON, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--\nAmerican Girl, the beloved brand known for helping girls grow up with confidence and character, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mattel (NASDAQ: MAT), today unveiled its 2021 Girl of the Year, Kira Bailey. Kira™—a nurturing and inquisitive 10-year-old who cares deeply for animals and the environment—joins American Girl’s line of contemporary characters that inspires children to make a positive difference in the world. Whether she’s caring for an orphaned koala joey or facing a bushfire that’s threatening her great-aunts’ wildlife sanctuary in Australia, Kira confronts critical ecological issues, such as wildlife protection and the threat of climate change, that are more relevant to our planet than ever.\nThis press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201231005023/en/American Girl's 2021 Girl of the Year, Kira Bailey, whose Australia-set storyline focuses on wildlife protection and climate challenges. (Photo: Business Wire)\n“As American Girl kicks off its 35th year, Kira joins our lineup of diverse and purposeful characters who star in stories that reflect the realities of the times—whether it’s historical or modern-day,” says Jamie Cygielman, General Manager of American Girl. “As we all witnessed the bushfires rage in Australia last year and start up again this September, and the devastating wildfires in the western United States, we knew it was important to focus Kira’s story on the major conservation and climate challenges facing our planet today—causes that are extremely important to today’s youth. Through Kira, we hope our fans will learn that we all have a part to play in taking positive action for our planet.”\n\nTo further support Kira’s message, American Girl is partnering with NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service, Inc. (WIRES), Australia’s largest wildlife rescue organization dedicated to rescuing and caring for sick, injured, and orphaned animals, including those impacted by bushfires and drought. Today through December 30, 2021, American Girl is supporting the organization’s mission to rehabilitate and preserve Australi...