The World Sustainability Foundation (WSF) and KoolFriends Toys BV are pleased to announce a new strategic partnership to raise awareness of oceans and environmental issues through the popular FridgeBuddies® toy line, with a special focus on the penguin-themed character Pengi.
About the Partners
The World Sustainability Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting biodiversity and supporting sustainability initiatives worldwide.
Based in Milan, World Sustainability Foundation acts as the non-profit arm of the World Sustainability Organization (WSO), and works via a network of states, research centres, universities, companies and certified partners to deliver measurable impact for endangered species and critical habitats. WSF has been recognised as an official participant in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030.
KoolFriends Toys BV is the Dutch company behind the FridgeBuddies® range, an innovative series of interactive, educational toys designed to engage children (and families) in sustainable behaviours. Among them, Pengi is a penguin character that encourages energy-saving habits and reminds users of the impact of climate change on polar habitats.
About the Collaboration
Through this new partnership, KoolFriends Toys BV is turning playtime into a force for good. The company will kick off the collaboration with an initial donation to the World Sustainability Foundation (WSF) to support a rescue centre for little penguins in Tasmania.
But that’s just the beginning — for every FridgeBuddies® “Pengi” toy sold, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to WSF for the entire duration of the partnership.
These contributions will help advance WSF’s broader mission to protect marine biodiversity. They will specifically fund the organisation’s “Save the Penguins” initiative — a project devoted to safeguarding penguin species threatened by climate change and habitat loss.
“We are delighted to partner with KoolFriends Toys to leverage the power of play in raising environmental awareness,” said Paolo Bray, Founder and Director of WSF. “By aligning a fun, educational toy like Pengi with real-world conservation action, we hope to inspire children and families to think differently about energy use, climate and the fate of our oceans.”
KoolFriends Toys BV added: “Pengi is more than a character – he invites users to adopt sustainable habits while reminding them of the challenges faced by polar wildlife. We believe this partnership with WSF will give Pengi’s mission real impact, connecting playtime with purpose.”
Impact & Purpose
Penguins are among the world’s most threatened seabird groups, with 10 of the 18 major species currently facing severe extinction risk. By channelling a portion of product sales into targeted conservation projects, this collaboration offers a new model for how commercial-educational toys can contribute directly to measurable environmental outcomes.
About the FridgeBuddies® Pengi Line
FridgeBuddies® Pengi is designed to live in the fridge, greet users, remind them to close the door, help them choose between food options and store personal voice messages. Simultaneously, it conveys an energy-saving message: when the freezer ice melts in Pengi’s village, users are encouraged to reduce their own carbon and energy use.
Next Steps & Availability
The product is already available via selected European retailers and online platforms. Each Pengi sale will trigger the agreed donation to WSF.
