Herschend Entertainment Studios™ (“HES”) has signed a new national partnership for its much-loved brand, Chuggington, partnering with Union Pacific Railroad and Safe Kids Worldwide to raise awareness about rail safety for preschoolers and elementary students, caregivers, parents and educators across the U.S.
The program, which commences in August, follows the early summer launch of the new animated season, Chuggington: Tales from the Rails, which premiered on Disney Junior and in DisneyNOW on Monday, June 29, 2020.
A Chuggington-themed PSA campaign, dedicated website, branded in-school safety folders and activity sheets, and social media campaign are all in the works that will share essential safety tips including “How to be Safe Around Trains,” “Railroads: Important Safety Information,” and “Facts About Rail Safety.” Kids will also be encouraged to take a Rail Safety Pledge.
“All of us here at Herschend are delighted to partner with Union Pacific and Safe Kids Worldwide to work together and to improve rail safety education to help make communities across the U.S. more aware of rail safety,” commented Natalie Setton, HES’ Vice President Commercial, Content Distribution & Licensing. “The world of Chuggington has been engaging and entertaining children for more than ten years and it’s an honor that our young trainee trains will now lead this new program to teach important rail safety tips in a fun and engaging way while reinforcing caring, kindness and togetherness.”
“Union Pacific is proud to partner with Herschend and Safe Kids Worldwide to share these life-saving safety messages,” said Erin Batt, Union Pacific’s Assistant Vice President and Chief Safety Officer. “Children of all ages love trains, but it’s important for them to understand railroad tracks are not a place to play nor should they be used as a shortcut. Our goal is to embed these behaviors at a young age and, ultimately, create lifelong habits that are ingrained as looking both ways before crossing the street.”
“Kids learn better when they’re having fun, which makes the world of Chuggington the perfect place to teach kids important rail safety tips like not playing on or around train tracks and crossing the tracks only at places marked by a crossbuck, light or gate,” said Torine Creppy, president of Safe Kids Worldwide. “We’re proud to partner with Herschend and Union Pacific on this creative new way to help children and families get the life-saving information they need to be safe around trains and railroad crossings.”
Chuggington: Tales from the Rails introduces children around the world to Wilson, Koko, and Brewster as they ride the rails on exciting, new adventures of teamwork, friendship, and fun. The new series digs deep into unique locations and character personalities to explore the dynamic world of Chuggington that’s home to a diverse and playful community of trains known as “Chuggers.”
Through its Community Ties Giving Program, Union Pacific partnered with Safe Kids Worldwide in September 2018 in a multi-year partnership dedicated to making communities safer for children and families across the United States by providing life-saving information. Safe Kids coalitions conduct transportation safety education programs at Head Start centers nationwide regarding child pedestrian, school bus, bike, railroad and passenger safety.