Matteo Vecchio of Ontario to Star in NERF Fan Tribute Video
TORONTO, Dec. 15, 2015 /CNW/ - Earlier this year, the iconic NERF brand from Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) launched The Ultimate NERF Party promotion, asking fans and members of NERF Nation to come together, share their stories, and celebrate their love for the brand. After receiving hundreds of inspiring, amazing entries from kids all over the country, Matteo Vecchio, 9, of Etobicoke, ON has been declared the winner!
In his winning entry, Matteo, a huge fan of the NERF brand, shared the things that are most important to him including playing NERF with his friends from school, and helping his family raise money in search of a cure for his younger sister Jess, who suffers from Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or JIA. The two share a close bond, and Matteo has been very active in supporting the cause with fundraisers ranging from a garage sale and lemonade stand to running a race and hosting a school assembly.
"It's been incredible to see all the entries from our awesome fan community," says Marisa Pedatella, Manager, Media and Partnerships Hasbro Canada Corporation. "When it came time to choose a winner, we knew that Matteo, who is a fun-loving, active kid who relentlessly gives back to his family and the JIA community, really embodied the best of the brand."
To honor Matteo's story, the NERF brand made him the hero of a short film where he teams up with his friends to defeat the zombie apocalypse with NERF blasters and save the day! The NERF ZOMBIE STRIKE Fan Tribute Film episodes launched on the NERF YouTube Channel on December 12, 2015. Check out the Behind the Scenes video to see how it all came together.
Best of all, Matteo had the opportunity to invite his entire school, Sir Adam Beck, to a full day of action-packed fun with NERF blasters and games. All of his schoolmates were able to participate in NERF blaster competitions, physical challenges and activities in a giant sports venue, giving the whole community a chance to celebrate with Matteo, his sister and friends.
"We're big fans of the NERF brand in our house, especially Matteo," says Matteo's mother, Kristen Vecchio. "With everything he's done to support his sister, he's just a special kid. We're so thankful to NERF for giving him, and all of us, this unforgettable, amazing experience."
For more information on the NERF brand, visit www.Nerf.com. To become a fan of the NERF brand on social media, follow @NERFNation on Instagram, subscribe to the NERF YouTube channel or Like the NERF page on Facebook.
About Hasbro
Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global company committed to Creating the World's Best Play Experiences, by leveraging its beloved brands, including LITTLEST PET SHOP, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, MONOPOLY, MY LITTLE PONY, NERF, PLAY-DOH and TRANSFORMERS, and premier partner brands. From toys and games, television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and lifestyle licensing, Hasbro fulfills the fundamental need for play and connection with children and families around the world. The Company's Hasbro Studios and its film label, ALLSPARK PICTURES, create entertainment brand-driven storytelling across mediums, including television, film, digital and more. Through the company's commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families. Learn more at www.hasbro.com, and follow us on Twitter (@Hasbro & @HasbroNews) and Instagram (@Hasbro).
SOURCE Hasbro Canada
Image with caption: "Nerf logo (CNW Group/Hasbro Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151215_C5564_PHOTO_EN_564455.jpg
Marisa Pedatella, Hasbro, Inc., (905) 238-3374 x 282, [email protected]
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