Mega Bloks embarks on fourth consecutive year as presenting sponsor for Montreal's "Walk Now for Autism Speaks" Canada

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.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140402/MM96043)

"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

The MEGA and Mega Bloks logos are trademarks of MEGA Brands Inc. or its affiliates.

SOURCE: MEGA Brands Inc.

Stephanie D. Pinsonnault
Public Relations, MEGA Brands Inc.
[email protected]
514-333-5555 x2504

Carrie Habert
Marketing Director, Autism Speaks Canada
[email protected]
416 362 6227 x 208

Laura Arlabosse-Stewart/ Andrea Hanft
Paradigm Public Relations, Toys "R" Us Canada
[email protected]  / [email protected]
416-413-5185 / 416-413-5196