Mega Bloks partners with Toys"R"Us Canada and local autism groups to
raise funds and awareness
MONTREAL, April 2, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - To help launch Autism Awareness
month, MEGA Brands Inc. (TSX: MB) announced today that it has partnered
with Autism Speaks Canada, major toy retailer, Toys"R"Us Canada, and
local autistic groups to launch three exciting initiatives in support
of the cause.
"The Mega Bloks Team is, once again, excited to participate in this
great event," says Vic Bertrand, Chief Innovation Officer of MEGA
Brands. "We are especially proud to be partnering with Toys"R"Us
Canada and expanding our fundraising initiatives to help increase
awareness of this important cause."
For its fourth consecutive year, Mega Bloks returns as the Presenting
Sponsor of the 2014 Walk Now for Autism Speaks event taking place on
May 25, 2014 at the McGill University Tomlinson Fieldhouse in Montreal.
As a fundraising measure, Mega Bloks has joined forces with Toys"R"Us
Canada; pledging to donate $1 of every Mega Bloks toy sold in-store and
online in Canada, during the month of April, to Autism Speaks Canada.
"We couldn't be more excited to welcome Mega Bloks back for a fourth
year as our Local Presenting Sponsor of Montreal's Walk Now for Autism
Speaks Canada," said Jill Farber, Executive Director of Autism Speaks
Canada. "We strive to keep our walks fun and engaging for our
community, and companies like Mega Bloks add to our success. The need
has never been greater to raise money, fund service providers, advocate
for our community and create awareness for people with autism spectrum
disorder. The continued support from Mega Bloks' truly helps us achieve
our mission."
Building with Mega Bloks helps children of all ages develop cognitive
and motor skills, express creativity and boost confidence, especially
valuable for children suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorder. As such,
Mega Bloks has invited local autistic organizations to tour its
Montreal headquarters, North America's largest toy factory, every
Friday in April to learn more about the therapeutic benefits of Mega
Bloks toys.
Help support Autism Awareness by joining Mega Bloks and Autism Speaks
Canada on May 25, 2014 at the McGill University Tomlinson Fieldhouse in
Montreal. For more information on the Montreal Walk for Autism Speaks,
please visit:
http://events.autismspeaks.ca/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=562
About MEGA Brands Inc.
MEGA Brands (TSX: MB) is a trusted family of leading global brands in
construction toys, games & puzzles, arts & crafts and stationery. It
offers engaging creative experiences for children, families and
collectors through innovative, well-designed, affordable and
high-quality products. For more information, please visit www.megabrands.com and www.megabloks.com.
About Autism
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex
developmental brain disorders - autism spectrum disorders - caused by a
combination of genetic and environmental influences. These disorders
are characterized, in varying degrees, by social and behavioural
challenges, as well as repetitive behaviors. An estimated 1 in 88
children across North America is on the autism spectrum - a 1000
percent increase in the past 40 years that is only partly explained by
improved diagnosis.
About Autism Speaks Canada and Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks Canada together with Autism Speaks is the world's largest
autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding
research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism;
increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for
the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks
was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the
grandparents of a child with autism. Fundraising walks for Autism
Speaks are held across North America, including seven sites in Canada.
Funds raised through walks and other events support Canadian autism
research and community grants to agencies across Canada that work
directly with children, youth and adults with autism. To learn more
about Autism Speaks Canada, please visit www.autismspeaks.ca. For more information on the Walk Now for Autism Speaks events, please
visit www.walknowforautismspeaks.ca. Information on Autism Speaks U.S can be found at www.autismspeaks.org.
About Toys"R"Us, Canada:
Toys"R"Us (Canada) Ltd., is part of Toys"R"Us, Inc., the world's leading
dedicated toy and juvenile products retailer.
Toys"R"Us, Canada operates over 80 stores across the country. For store
locations and convenient online shopping visit www.toysrus.ca or www.babiesrus.ca
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The MEGA and Mega Bloks logos are trademarks of MEGA Brands Inc. or its
affiliates.
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SOURCE MEGA Brands Inc.
Image with caption: "Light it Up Blue was launched by Autism Speaks in 2010 in support of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), which takes place on April 2. Mega Bloks Lights It Up Blue in celebration of World Autism Awareness Day and encourages others to do the same in showing their support! (CNW Group/MEGA Brands Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140402_C8206_PHOTO_EN_38730.jpg
