The Teddy Bear Army Unites Local Communities Via QMS Media
As COVID-19 began to change life as we know it, and social distancing and self-isolation became the ‘new norm’, a digital ‘Teddy Bear Army’ with messages of thanks to essential service workers began popping up on billboards for children to spot throughout their local communities.
And what makes this Teddy Bear Army so special and so unique, is that it is created by the children themselves.
Set in motion by QMS Media, the Teddy Bear Army Project invites children across the country to draw a picture of a teddy bear with a message of thanks to their choice of essential service worker, and have their artwork displayed on digital billboards nationally.
Now in its sixth week, The Teddy Bear Army Project has given more than 150 Australian kids a chance to hone their artistic skills whilst at home, and an opportunity to express their thanks and gratitude to those doing so much to help us all through this crisis.
Each week, new submissions are broadcast across 30 premium digital billboards, and have impacted more than 15 million contacts or on average 2.6 million contacts each week as Australians travel closer to home.
QMS Media Chief Marketing Officer, Sara Lappage said that the engagement and response from the community has been overwhelming.
“As we saw Teddy Bear’s starting to appear in windows of homes, in trees and on footpaths in our local streets, we wanted to help build on this simple but thoughtful gesture, by giving children a voice and audience to say thank you to those working hard to help all Australian’s during these challenging times.
“The idea started as a way for our staff working from home to engage and entertain their kids, as well as giving them an opportunity to have their artwork displayed on a canvas much bigger than the kitchen fridge.
“Soon friends, clients and business partners had heard about the project and the rest is history. With the power and speed of our digital network, arguably the world’s biggest, and I have to say cutest, Teddy Bear Art show was within days broadcasting into local neighbourhoods across Australia.”
The Teddy Bear Army has captured the attention of local communities, businesses and organisations as it looks to focus on positive unity and show gratefulness to all essential service workers as well as providing children with an outlet to create, be seen and be memorable on a scale like never before.
Monash Health Theatre Nurse, Di Treagus said; “I was thrilled to see my grandson Lukas’ drawing up on billboard right near the hospital. The power of a personalised message of thanks on a giant billboard makes the jobs of those working so hard right now that much easier.”
Trent Cotchin, Captain of AFL’s Richmond Tigers added: “My wife and I fell in love with the idea the moment we saw some of the artworks up on a billboard near us. It gave our girls an opportunity to be creative whilst in isolation but more importantly, it was an opportunity for them to say thank you to who they see as important in our fight against COVID-19.
“As a parent this was a special moment. You love seeing your kids doing what they love” added Mr Cotchin.
The National Gallery of Victoria was quick to join forces with QMS and lend support with a call-out to their audiences to embrace their creative side and showcase children’s artworks and messages of thanks.
The Teddy Bear Army will continue to be seen across QMS’ digital billboard network as Australia starts to head back outside.
For children to still be involved, simply have them draw a picture of their Teddy on a white A4 sheet of paper, include their first name, age and brief thank you message to our essential service workers. Take a photo of the drawing and send it to thankyou@qmsmedia.com
Latest News
Sydney Comedy Festival: Taking The City & Social Media By Storm
Sydney Comedy Festival 2024 is live and ready to rumble, showing the best of international and homegrown talent at a host of venues around town. As usual, it’s hot on the heels of its big sister, the giant that is the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, picking up some acts as they continue on their own […]
Global Marketers Descend For AANA’s RESET For Growth
The Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) has announced the final epic lineup of local and global marketing powerhouses for RESET for Growth 2024. Lead image: Josh Faulks, chief executive officer, AANA Back in 2000, a woman with no business experience opened her first juice bar in Adelaide. The idea was brilliantly simple: make healthy […]
Is Meta’s New AI Chatbot Too Left-Wing?
Meta's chatbot accused of being left-wing after being caught wearing a Che Guevara T-shirt & listening to Billy Bragg.
TV Ratings (23/04/2024): Why Did No One Tell Angela That Farmer Wants A Wife Is Set On A Farm?
As wonderful as this headline is, let's face it, we all know an 'Angela', don't we?
PubMatic Unveils New AI Partnership To Turn Social Posts Into Ads For Any Digital Channel
Here's some nifty tech for turning social posts into ads. Assuming said posts aren't one-star character assassinations.
Intuit Mailchimp Makes A Splash With Its First Australian Brand Campaign
Ever laugh along at a gag you didn't get so as not to appear dumb? Get ready for more feigning with this new work.
GumGum’s Rob Hall: Advertisers Can No Longer “Rely On Binary Descriptions” Of Consumers
If anyone's got their finger on adtech's pulse, it's Rob Hall. He also avoids using the good paper in the office printer
Mastercard Nabs Florencia Aimo From Marriott International
Marriott International's Florencia Aimo jumps from the hotel business to the exploitative credit card one.
Bastion Agency Appoints Cheuk Chiang As New ANZ CEO
Cheuk Chiang takes the reins over at Bastion Agency. But not the rains down in Africa.
Spotlight On Sponsors: Major Sponsorship Wins After A Disappointing Week In Sport
B&T continuing our deep dive into local sport sponsorships & that's despite not a single offer of a free ticket as yet.
Macca’s Marketing Director, Samantha McLeod On Big Mac Chant: “What Was Once Old Is Now Cool Again”
Macca's using the power of nostalgia in latest Big Mac campaign. Well, only for those who've ever eaten one sober.
World Premiere Of Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line To Open Sydney Film Festival 2024
Oil's biopic to open Sydney Film Festival. Here's hoping Molly Meldrum will take his pants down at the premiere.
Entries Are Now Open For The 2024 Brandies, IntelligenceBank’s Annual Brand Marketing Awards
The Brandies are, of course, a prestigious marketing gong and not the mystery tipple favoured by nannas everywhere.
The Fred Hollows Foundation Appoints Ardent For PR
Yes, we all like to have a joke at PR's expense. But sometimes it does important work, like this.
AI, eCommerce & Marketing Specialists Are In Increased Demand By Businesses, New Data From Fiverr Shows
Has your philosophy & anthropology degree left you with nothing but a huge HECS debt? Here's what you should've studied.
Perth’s First 3D Anamorphic Billboard Arrives Courtesy Of oOh!media
Do you love a buzzword? Now you can add anamorphic to the list as it relates to billboards, not a colleague's ears.
MasterChef Australia & Crown Resorts Launch Unique Dining Experience With ALUMNI
A pop-up restaurant staffed by MasterChef contestants! That's fine dining prices for first-year apprentice chef cuisine!
Amanda Laing Announces Resignation From Foxtel Group
Foxtel's chief commercial & content officer heads for the exits. Read nice things the bosses said about her right here.
The Lost Letters From Our Diggers: News Corp Unveils ANZAC Day Special
It's nice when brands respectfully acknowledge ANZAC Day.
Howatson+Company Acquires Akkomplice
Large indie acquires a slightly smaller indie. Much like a shark eating a tuna, just with less thrashing and blood.
Google Delays Third-Party Cookie Deprecation Again
In good news for the sale of picture library biscuit photos, Google continues to tease over the end of cookies.
Education A Low Priority For Aussies More Concerned With Cost Of Living Forethought Study Reveals
Study finds Aussies cutting back on education due to cost of living. Booze & Uber Eats sales remain largely unaffected.
“I’m Still The Same Person That I Was”: Rikki Stern Says “Fucc It” To Cancer Stereotypes
B&T always happy to promote the anti-cancer cause. Even brands that massively overdo it with the hot pink.
The Unapproved Climate Certification Allegedly Causing Mass Greenwashing
Are you left flummoxed in the canned tuna & free range eggs aisle? Just wait till this green certification gets up.
TV Ratings (22/04/2024): Fans Mock “Over The Top” Reaction To New MasterChef Judges
MasterChef returns for its 2024 season. B&T stands by putting peppercorns in Gravox & no one will be any the wiser.
Dentsu Restructure: Muddle, Harvey & Johnston Take Leadership Baton As Bass & Yurisich Exit
A large broom has swept through Dentsu's local ops this morning, taking with it some big names & the air con's cobwebs.
Industry Shares Trends Shaping The Industry This International Creators Day
B&T's asking adland creators to reveal their top trends. And it's not good news for your Jenny Kee cardigan collection.
Mable Extends HOYTS Sensory Screenings Partnership
Mable has extended its HOYTS sensory screening partnership. Vigorously defends its two-star Oppenheimer review.
Orphan Launches ‘They Need Our Help. We Need Yours’ For Children’s Cancer Institute
Anything to do with childhood cancers has B&T's 110% support. That said, we do ignore the red meat & alcohol warnings.
Smile Team Orthodontics & Keep Left Collaborate On Smile-Inducing Campaign
As parents would attest, given the cost of orthodontics you'd expect this campaign to be a lavish production indeed.
Opinion: How Video Calls Neglect Learning Diversity
Need an excuse to duck out of a video call this arvo? Show this to your boss.
DoubleVerify Achieves First-Of-Its-Kind Responsible AI Certification From TrustArc
DoubleVerify receives responsible AI certification. However, not its robotic vacuum that's been seen menacing the cat.
Smile For A Good Cause: The Social Media Campaign Giving Back To The Community
Are you known as the office Austin Powers? More for you teeth than shagability? Get snappy new fangs with this news.
Elon Musk Mocks Albo After ESafety Wins Court Injunction Against X
Albo's 2024 from hell continues - Rabbitohs in crisis, down in the polls and now feuding with world's richest man.
Real Estate Developer In Hot Water Over “Sexually Exploitative” OOH Campaign
Real estate agents again tops in the 'least trusted profession' polls, nudging used car salesmen & ad creatives.
Epsilon’s Shane Hanby: Post-Cookie Era Relies On “Teamwork” Between Brands, Marketers & Tech
This pro predicts more "teamwork" in a post-cookie era. Which spells bad news for the uncooperative or plain stubborn.