Mega Bloks Embarks on Third Consecutive Year as Presenting Sponsor for Montreal’s “Walk Now for Autism Speaks” Canada

MONTREAL, QC – In celebration of World Autism Awareness Day, MEGA Brands Inc. announced today that it [Mega Bloks] will return as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2013 Walk Now for Autism Speaks event taking place on May 26th, 2013 at the Stade Uniprix in Montreal.

Proud partner since 2011, Mega Bloks has raised more than $116,000 for Walk Now for Autism Speaks, the signature fundraising event for Autism Speaks Canada. In 2013, Mega Bloks will continue to provide walkers with fun activities and giveaways throughout the walk.

“With a team of over 150 dedicated MEGA employees, we are proudly joining Autism Speaks Canada for a third year with the goal of giving back to the Montreal community and the hopes of exceeding our previous fundraising totals”, said Vic Bertrand, Chief Innovation Officer of MEGA Brands. “Our team looks forward to helping Autism Speaks Canada in changing the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders”.

“We are extremely grateful to have Mega Bloks return for a third year as Presenting Sponsor for our Montreal Walk Now for Autism Speaks event,” said Frank Viti, President and Chief Executive Officer of Autism Speaks Canada. “Our Walks bring thousands of participants together for a day that is both fun and meaningful, while generating vital funds for autism research and family services. Autism is diagnosed in one in 88 children, so the continued support from Mega Bloks has been crucial in raising awareness and funds necessary to support our mission.”

Building with Mega Bloks helps children of all ages develop cognitive and motor skills, express creativity and boost confidence, and is especially valuable for children suffering from autism spectrum disorder. Help support Autism Awareness by joining Mega Bloks and Autism Speaks Canada on May 26th, 2013 at the Stade Uniprix in Montreal.

For more information on the Montreal Walk for Autism Speaks, please visit http://events.autismspeaks.ca/event/montreal

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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. The company offers engaging creative experiences for children, families and collectors through innovative, well-designed, affordable and high-quality products. Visit: megabrands.com and megabloks.com for more information.


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.


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