To mark the 60-year legacy of the Barbie Dreamhouse, global toy company Mattel has announced a yearlong collaboration with Habitat for Humanity International. The brand is undertaking 60 projects, including new construction, home preservation, and neighborhood revitalization, for families in need of safe, decent, and affordable housing.
The collaboration aims to create more opportunities for children and their families to live in a place they can call home. During the year, Barbie will fund projects in countries including Canada, Poland, and Brazil, and will help a local family by supporting the construction of a new home in south Los Angeles. Additional projects will include critical home repairs, playhouse builds, and contributing to Habitat’s Women Build program.
“The only thing as iconic as Barbie is her Dreamhouse, a spectacular home that allows kids to immerse themselves in Barbie’s world, and gives them the room to dream,” says Lisa McKnight, senior vice president and global head of Barbie and dolls at Mattel. “Through our collaboration with Habitat for Humanity, we mark 60 years of our Dreamhouse by supporting families around the world, giving their dreams a home.”
In 2021, Barbie teamed up with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles to celebrate the latest Dreamhouse by adding the brand’s style to a home of a family in the Watts neighborhood. Working with Barbie, designer and DIY duo Kate Albrecht and Joey Zehr outfitted a bedroom that two young Barbie fans share. In addition, the Mattel Children’s Foundation and Barbie donated 100 Dreamhouse playsets to families in Habitat LA’s network.
Mattel employees will have the opportunity to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles on builds throughout 2022, including a new home that will be built in Los Angeles near Mattel’s global headquarters.
“At Habitat for Humanity, we know that a safe and decent place to call home makes a difference in the lives of families,” says Julie Laird Davis, vice president of corporate and foundation relations at Habitat for Humanity International. “Home provides a place for children to play and grow, and a place for families to thrive. We are excited to partner with Mattel to help families around the world make their dream of home a reality.”
