Toronto, Ontario—Ganz is proud to announce that again this year, the Webkinz World site has been recognized by the world’s largest internet safety and help group, WiredSafety.org, with a Best of the Web Award for 2009.

The Best of the Web Award honors child-focused Internet sites that offer fun and entertainment for kids while protecting them from revealing personal information which could lead to cyberbullying, stalking and other potential dangers.

The presentation was made by members of Tween Angels at the 9th Annual Wired Kids Summit in Washington D.C. on February 25th.

“We are very pleased to receive this award again this year”, stated Ganz president, Howard Ganz. “WiredSafety is a leading advocate of children’s online safety. On the Webkinz World site, we are committed to providing a friendly space that parents trust and children love.”

“Webkinz World went through a stringent review process before it was given this award”, notes Parry Aftab, WiredSafety’s Executive Director and an Internet privacy and security lawyer. “50,000 kids and preteens were polled for nominations, and over 143 sites were put forward. Parents determined the final 62 sites and then I personally investigated the final 14 nominees.”

Webkinz World is a leading kids’ virtual world, where members play, design rooms, care for virtual pets and hang out with other members—all through the purchase of a lovable plush pet with a secret code. Webkinz pets were introduced in April 2005 by Ganz, a third-generation family-run business based in Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada.

WiredSafety.org is a 501(c) (3) charity and the largest and oldest online safety, education, and help group in the world. It provides one-to-one help, extensive information, and education to cyberspace users of all ages on a myriad of Internet and interactive technology safety issues.