Writer and cartoonist Janet Hetherington is calling for art donations with the theme of "My Favorite Toy" for an online fundraising auction to benefit The Canadian Toy Testing Council (CTTC).
The CTTC is an independent, internationally respected, non-profit organization that welcomes everyone to come and play. Janet has been involved with the CTTC since the late 1990s, first serving as Editor of the annual TOY REPORT and now as an active participant on its volunteer Board as Director of the Literacy Program.
For over 55 years, the CTTC has been testing toys for consumers and providing valuable information to help parents make informed toy choices. In fact, when consumers see CTTC's award-winning seals on toys, they have the confidence that they are making good toy purchases.
The toys are tested in a family environment for eight weeks throughout the spring to fall season. It is the CTTC's philosophy to evaluate each toy from children's perspective and gain their input. Each toy is evaluated based on its design, function, safety, durability, battery consumption and play value. Parents complete a detailed evaluation report to summarize what their children think of these toys.
The CTTC also promotes family literacy. Using the council's "kid" philosophy, the CTTC reviews and recommends Canadian children's books -- including Canadian picture books and graphic novel style books in English and French. Like many charitable organizations, the current economic situation in Canada has presented a financial challenge to the CTTC. After more than a decade of private sector funding, the CTTC lost the ongoing financial assistance of one of its key sponsors.
Instructions For Submission:
Your illustration of My Favourite Toy should be on an original art board (11 x 17) or a backing board (8.5 x 11) or similar. Your illustration can be pencil, ink, color, paint -- whatever medium you wish. Original comic book art pages that relate to toys or the toy theme are welcome. Please sign your work.
For digital work or prints, please contact Janet Hetherington at toyappeal@gmail.com to ensure that no licenses may be contravened.
The Canadian Toy Testing Council promotes safe and healthy play for children. Art with sexual or violent overtones is not welcome and will not be accepted. Please respect toy-makers' brands.
Please RSVP your intention to participate to toyappeal@gmail.com by April 17, 2009, so that the CTTC can promote the auction effectively. If you have a 72 dpi .jpg of the art, please email that to Janet at toyappeal@gmail.com. Janet would appreciate receiving the physical art, mailed flat, by April 30, 2009, so she can get the auction rolling.
Please let Janet know what 2-3 credits you'd like listed with your name for promotion purposes. If you have a website, please include that information.
As a registered charity, the CTTC will be able to provide you with you a Canadian income tax receipt for "donation in kind" after the event.
Please send all artwork well protected. The CTTC does not currently have any UPS or FedEx accounts to use for this. If shipping across the border, indicate "Gift" with a value of no more of $20. Details of where to ship will be provided once artist participation is confirmed.
