Mari Copeny first captured the attention of the world’s media in 2016.
At the age of eight she wrote to then-President Barrack Obama asking him to intervene in the Flint Water Crisis, where there hadn’t been clean water since April 2014.
Mari is also affectionately known as Little Miss Flint because of her tireless work to represent the rights of children in her home-town, in Michigan. Mari’s other campaigns have raised more than $250,000.
Perhaps it’s no surprise then that Mari – who is an inspiration to both children and adults the world over – has now inspired international toy brand, Lottie Dolls, to create a toy in her likeness. The doll is dressed in denim shorts, sneakers and a cosy jacket with a bold slogan t-shirt and campaign badges. A placard and megaphone complete the set. “Kid Activist” perfectly demonstrates the company’s vision that childhood should be an inclusive place where every child belongs regardless of gender, ethnicity or ability.
Ian Harkin, co-founder of Lottie Dolls, commented: “We continue to be blown-away by the next generation of young people. They’re compassionate, collaborative and their can-do attitude gives them the ability to be change-makers on a global scale. Mari’s 10 now, and she aspires to be President of the USA. We have every reason to believe that she’ll do exactly that. With our toys, we want to encourage all kids – regardless of gender, ability or ethnicity – to follow all their dreams. We can’t wait to meet the next generation of scientists and activists, environmentalists and artists, sportspeople and teachers. From where we’re sitting, the future feels pretty bright.”
Mari is the third person from last years’ Teen Vogue #21under21 that has now inspired a Lottie doll, following Allie Weber in 2014 and Taylor Richardson in 2016.
