May 10, 2004  

Young girls need to know that they can make a difference in their families and in their community. Their contributions need to be recognized and illustrated as role models for girls across Canada.

That is the hope of Kathryn Gallagher Morton, who, as the creator of Maplelea Girls™, a new line of uniquely-Canadian dolls, is establishing a program to identify and honour "Real Girls doing Real Things that Matter!".

"We are looking for girls, age 12 and under, who have identified a need and, with energy, ingenuity, and commitment, worked towards meeting that need. It could be a girl who has helped a family or community member through a difficult time, or perhaps a girl who has made a contribution to an environmental or social issue. Any act of kindness or achievement will be considered."

The mission of the Maplelea Girls™ is to make a difference in the lives of Canadian girls by providing dolls and activity products that promote creative play, healthy active lifestyles, and a knowledge and pride of the country we live in. Through the Maplelea™ characters, girls learn that although they are unique individuals, they share values, aspirations, and a belief in themselves and their country. The Maplelea Girls™ are upbeat, energetic, positive role models that are both an inspiration to, and a reflection of, Canadian girls across the country.

"With my background in Social Work and as a mother of a young girl, I see Canadian girls being pushed to grow up too fast," explains Morton. "Their role models are often inappropriate - music stars, actors, even other types of dolls - that focus on fashion, body image, dating, and sophistication. What I hear from other mothers across Canada is "Let our girls be girls, childhood is too short and too precious!"

"We hope our new award and recognition program will find some of those thousands of Canadian girls who are caring and kind; ambitious and committed - girls who can be appropriate and real role models for girls right across the country."

Parents, teachers, and other adult members of the community are encouraged to nominate any girl between the ages of 8 and 12 with a maximum 250 word write-up. Parental (or guardian) permission must accompany the application. Finalists will require two references to verify the submission. To nominate on line, go to www.maplelea.com and click on "Real Girls doing Real Things that Matter!" and enter via the website's secure server. To mail an entry, send it to "Real Girls doing Real Things that Matter!", Avonlea Traditions Inc., 17075 Leslie Street, Unit #13, Newmarket, ON L3Y 8E1.