Initiative to promote family fun and environmental awareness
ELMSFORD, N.Y. – Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. is partnering with Hooked on Fishing International (HOFI), and its Kids All-American Fishing Derby Program, to sponsor an educational awareness program to educate kids about the fun of fishing, and focus on environmental awareness.
Fujifilm is launching a new program, “Fish, Photograph & Release” (FPR), to promote and encourage families to fish, take a photograph of the catch and then release it back into the water. Fujifilm and HOFI will introduce this program in conjunction with the Wal-Mart 2001 Kids All-American Fishing Derby Program, which begins in April and runs through early fall. Fujifilm will hold its “Fujifilm FPR Photo Contest” beginning April 1 inviting kids to submit photos of their catches along with a statement of 50 words or less on why they like to fish and why they released the fish.
“Fujifilm is excited to grow its commitment to the world of fishing and to introduce an exciting program through Hooked on Fishing International that reaches children,” said Bruce Fleming, Vice President, National Accounts-Wal-Mart, Fuji Photo Film, USA, Inc. “Our `Fish, Photograph and Release’ program is an innovative way to get kids to try their hand at fishing and drives home the message about environmental preservation while incorporating a connection to photography.”
“We are honored to join with Fujifilm and increase awareness of the fun of fishing,” said Gordon Holland, Founder, Hooked on Fishing International. “We have always emphasized the need for conservation and now Fujifilm has created and packaged a fun, interactive program that is easy for anyone to use at a fishing derby or on a family fishing outing.”
Hooked On Fishing International has been bringing kids and fish together since 1987 through its Kids All-American Fishing Derby program. The events annually take place at over 700 venues in all 50 states and have reached more than six million kids and parents.
Wal-Mart officials also expressed support for the program.
“Wal-Mart is excited to work on this program with Fujifilm and pleased to have them on board as a sponsor of our fishing derbies,” said Mike McFadden, Vice President, Sporting Goods, Wal-Mart. “Not only does Fujifilm understand how important it is for preservation of the waters, but it also knows how to encourage fun and education.”
Beginning on June 1, 2001, corresponding with the start of National Fishing Week, one winning photo will be posted daily on the HOFI Web site, www.kids-fishing.com in a special FPR section of the site. Each daily photo winner will receive a Fujifilm QuickSnap one-time-use camera. At the conclusion of the 100 day promotion on September 8, Fujifilm will present awards to the Grand Prize, First Place and Second Place winners. Winners will be presented with savings bonds in the amounts of $1,000, $500 and $250, respectively. The winning photos will also be posted on the Kids All-American Fishing Derby Web site.
Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., Elmsford, NY, is the U.S. marketing subsidiary of Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. of Tokyo, a leading manufacturer of imaging and information products.