Funds Raised by MEGA Brands Employees, Partners and Suppliers to Support Autism Treatment, Education and Advocacy
MONTREAL, May 27, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Building on its longstanding support of Autism Awareness month, MEGA Brands, Inc., a member of the Mattel family of companies (NASDAQ: MAT), donated a total of $72,000 to Autism Speaks Canada.
The donation, presented at the 2014 Walk Now for Autism Speaks event in Montreal, will help fund Autism treatment, education, research and advocacy throughout Canada. MEGA Brands was the Local Presenting Sponsor of Montreal's Walk Now for Autism Speaks event.
"We are proud to support such a worthwhile cause," said Bisma Ansari, vice president of marketing, MEGA Brands, Inc. "Autism impacts millions of children and their families throughout the world, and we are honored to help provide much-needed treatment, research and support for these individuals."
During the month of April, MEGA Brands pledged to donate one dollar for every Mega Bloks toy sold by Toys "R" Us Canada - both in stores and online - generating more than $20,000 in proceeds. To augment the donation, philanthropic donors contributed an additional $29,000 to the total pledge amount.
MEGA Brands employees raised an additional $10,000 in donations, through bake sales and auctions, an amount that was matched by Mattel. Mattel is committed to its vision of Creating the Future of Play through great toys, as well as giving back two percent of pretax profit through philanthropic programs. Partnering with charitable organizations dedicated to directly serving children, Mattel creates joy through the Mattel Children's Foundation, product donations, grant making and the work of employee volunteers.
"We at Mattel are excited to support this initiative led by the MEGA Brands employees" said Robert Goodwin, executive director, Mattel Children's Foundation. "MEGA Brands and Mattel are likeminded in our commitment to autism advocacy and research, and now that we are one company I know we can magnify our positive impact on the world."
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 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 a Walk near you. For more information, please visit: http://events.autismspeaks.ca/.
About MEGA Brands
A member of the Mattel family of companies, MEGA Brands Inc. is a trusted collection of leading global brands in construction toys, games & puzzles and arts & crafts. They offer engaging creative experiences for children and families through innovative, well-designed, affordable and high-quality products. MEGA® Brands includes MEGA BLOKS®, RoseArt®, MEGA Puzzles®, MEGA Games® and Board Dudes®. Visit http://www.megabrands.com for more information.
About Mattel
The Mattel family of companies (Nasdaq: MAT) is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products. Mattel's portfolio of best-selling brands includes Barbie®, the most popular fashion doll ever produced, Hot Wheels®, Monster High®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends® and Fisher-Price® brands, including Little People® and Power Wheels®, MEGA® Brands, including MEGA BLOKS® and RoseArt®, as well as a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. In 2013, Mattel was named one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" by Ethisphere Magazine and in 2014 ranked No. 5 on Corporate Responsibility Magazine's "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. With worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, California, Mattel's companies employ nearly 30,000 people in 40 countries and territories and sell products in more than 150 nations. At Mattel, we are Creating the Future of Play. Visit us at www.mattel.com, www.facebook.com/mattel or www.twitter.com/mattel.
Image with caption: "Executive Director of Autism Speaks Canada, Jill Farber, (left) accepts a donation from Robert Goodwin, Executive Director of the Mattel Children's Foundation, and Bisma Ansari, Vice President of Marketing at MEGA Brands Inc., at the Montreal Walk Now for Autism Speaks Canada fundraising event on May 25, 2014. (CNW Group/MEGA Brands Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140527_C7055_PHOTO_EN_40779.jpg
SOURCE: MEGA Brands Inc.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Stephanie D. Pinsonnault
MEGA Brands Inc.
[email protected]
514-333-5555 x2504
Alex Clark
Mattel, Inc.
310-252-6397
[email protected]
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