On Thursday, May 25, GCI Canada received an OVATION Award of Excellence from the International Association of Business Communicators - Toronto Chapter (the association's largest chapter) for the successful media launch of the first-ever Inuit Legend Barbie doll from Mattel Canada. Inuit Legend Barbie was a limited-edition, Canadian-exclusive Barbie doll designed by a fashion student in honour of her Inuit grandmother, and it featured clothing and accessories inspired by the Inuit people of northern Canada. The award was in the category of best media relations campaign with a budget of up to $50,000. The IABC OVATION Awards applaud excellence in communication in the greater Toronto area, and judging was performed by a senior panel of communications professionals, accredited practitioners and technical specialists.

The Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) ACE Award

In April, GCI Canada won a Bronze-level ACE Award from the Toronto branch of the Canadian Public Relations Society for the launch of "Barbie Fairytopia," a direct-to-DVD movie and toy line. The launch program included a themed garden at Canada Blooms, Canada's largest garden show, as well as a series of preview screening events. Judged by professionals in the field of public relations, the ACE Awards honour PR practitioners who are leading the Canadian industry by creating strategic programs and tactics that meet specific communications and business objectives. These two awards are a true reflection of the great relationship we have with our Mattel client and the quality (award-winning!) work being done here in the Canadian office.

Congratulations to GCI's Mattel team for these great accomplishments and for helping to continue solidifying GCI's reputation as a top PR shop in this market.