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| What's next - Tupper-ware? |
The Toronto Star-Christopher Hutsul
Toronto-7/1/2005-
We've immortalized our politicians in bronze, marble, and yes, plastic.
And the daddy of them all, Sir John A. Macdonald, a father of Confederation and Canada's first prime minister, has been made available to the masses in time for today's celebration by none other than American-owned Wal-Mart.
"We're delighted to be carrying this product because it fits with our objective to provide Canadians with Canadian merchandise," said Andrew Pelletier, Wal-Mart's corporate communications director.
"This is a great product that we hope will lead to a larger series."
The 15-centimetre posable action figure, from Quebec-based Nafekh Technologies, comes with a side table, two books, a pair of spectacles and a 20-page Canadian history booklet. Perhaps the only thing missing is a little plastic whisky bottle.
"It's important for Canadians to be more patriotic because we are fortunate to live in a beautiful and peaceful country," said Andrew Nafekh, the toy's creator. "We need to recognize the achievements of Canadians who have done something memorable for our country. This toy is an expression of that sentiment and patriotism."
Nafekh, who served 13 years with the Canadian navy, says the Sir John toy is the first of a series of Canadian Legends toys designed to celebrate great Canadians. The company is planning to produce a Sir Wilfrid Laurier figure soon, followed by other notables.
The company decided to launch with Sir John because he was the nation's founding father, and his distinctive facial characteristics — the big nose and recessed jaw — lent themselves well to a depiction in plastic. The toy has been available for two years in hobby and comics stores. Wal-Mart picked it up two months ago.
Nafekh says the product has been popular with politicians — who probably wouldn't mind being immortalized with action figures of their own — and teachers. It retails for $14.97 plus tax. More information at http://www.canadianlegends.ca. |
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