Mattel’s popular pre-school franchise, Fireman Sam, has launched its Modern Day Heroes Campaign in a bid to raise funds for the DEC Coronavirus Appeal by encouraging kids to draw a picture of their favourite hero and post it to social media.
The campaign – one that hopes to shine a spotlight on the friends, family members, and frontline workers to have done their bit to help others throughout the year – will donate £1 to the DEC Coronavirus Appeal for every picture drawn by children of their own modern-day hero. The pictures will be posted to social media using the hashtag #FindTheHero.
In addition, Fireman Sam and the team in Pontypandy will present 50 of the nation’s heroes with a medal specially commissioned for the campaign.
The DEC Coronavirus Appeal supports 14 leading UK aid charities in raising money at times of humanitarian crisis in poorer countries. The funds will help provide families with clean water, soap and information on keeping themselves safe, equipment, and supplies for frontline medical and aid workers to care for the sick and vulnerable; and ensure families get enough food to help prevent malnutrition.
The study found that 36 per cent of the UK public have changed their views on what defines a hero due to the events of 2020. Determination, honesty, and integrity are now among the top attributes – with only seven per cent now considering physical strength a modern hero characteristic.
The study also revealed nurses, doctors, and the fire service are the most heroic jobs of the modern age, with these roles proving most courageous in recent months. More than a third (34 per cent) also tipped their cap to supermarket workers – and 28 per cent said delivery drivers have put in valiant efforts.
Helen Genia, head of UK licensing and hardlines EMEA, Mattel, said: “There’s no doubt there has been a shift in what is considered a hero, never more so than this year. Children will grow up in this era, not just thinking about the traditional superheroes like those to look up to, but many of those in services such as the NHS that serve us so well.
It also emerged being helpful, having a moral compass, and being selfless was traits adults thought best to instil in children from a young age. And 74 per cent of those polled thought it’s essential for children to see a diverse range of heroic role models in the tv shows they watch.
Helen Genia from Mattel added: “It’s clear those who put themselves on the frontline don’t always get the recognition they deserve. As a result, to show our appreciation, we are proud to launch ‘Fireman Sam Modern-Day Heroes Campaign to recognise the efforts of the everyday heroes who have been nominated for their recent hard work and bravery.”
Saleh Saeed, Disasters Emergency Committee CEO, concluded: “We are proud to be partnering with Fireman Sam Modern-Day Heroes Campaign to honour the importance of frontline heroes, keyworkers and communities.