PENNY THE PENGUIN FLIES THE NEST
A life-size, interactive charity penguin which has gained a cult following on Facebook is to visit schools and community venues across Merseyside, enabling people to have their say on the issues that matter to them.Penny the Penguin was originally designed and sponsored by ICE as part of the 8 week-long Go Penguins initiative. Fitted with the latest interactive technology, visitors to Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral were able to record short videos about the environmental and social issues that mattered to them.
Among those to leave messages were veteran local comedian Jimmy Tarbuck and ex-Brookside actress Suzanne Collins, which were then fed back to a supporting website www.penny4athought.com. During just 8 weeks, Penny’s website was accessed almost 4,200 times and even attracted visits from 13 other countries across the globe, including the United States, Germany, Australia, Norway, Singapore and Brazil.
Penny the Penguin’s popularity has generated almost 400 fans on Facebook, as well as a following on Twitter. During her time at the Anglican Cathedral, Penny’s invitation to contribute a ‘penny for your thoughts’ also saw her collect just under £300 for Liverpool Unites – a local charity which helps community groups to positively engage children and young people by inspiring them to break the cycle of crime and poverty.
The team at ICE is now preparing to take Penny the Penguin directly into communities to visit schools and community venues, to get people of all ages – and from all sections of the community – talking about the issues that matter to them.
Stuart Jackson, Chief Executive of ICE says, “The team at ICE passionately believes in getting into the heart of communities to support positive behaviour change and there’s no doubt Penny the Penguin has created a real buzz. Not only has she got people talking and interacting via video messages, but she has picked up a sustained fan base on social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter.
“What’s more, Penny has also been raising money for Liverpool Unites – a charity which is making a real difference in our local community. Our team at ICE passionately believes in raising young people’s aspirations and helping them reach their full potential, so it’s a cause we are delighted to support.
“We’re now aiming to build on Penny’s popularity by taking her into schools and workplaces around Merseyside, again equipped with the latest interactive technology to stimulate discussion, debate and opinion around some of the key issues facing local people on a day-to-day basis.”