Toys“R”Us, Inc. today announced the launch of its nine-week in-store fundraising campaign to benefit Autism Speaks, North America’s largest autism science and advocacy organization. Now through April 30, monetary donations will be collected at all Toys“R”Us® and Babies“R”Us® stores and online at Toysrus.com/AutismSpeaks. Customers who donate $10 or more to Autism Speaks at any Toys“R”Us or Babies“R”Us store will receive a reusable, giraffe-themed shopping bag designed by James Hogarth, a talented artist with autism, while supplies last. To celebrate the fifth consecutive year it has teamed up with Autism Speaks, the company unveiled a new theme, “Be A Hero For Autism,” which highlights the everyday heroism of children affected by the disorder, as well as their caregivers, and those who are helping to find the cause and cure of autism through donating time and money.
In conjunction with the in-store fundraising campaign, the company has also redesigned its dedicated microsite, Toysrus.com/AutismSpeaks, to feature images of children dressed as super-heroes. Throughout the site, customers will be introduced to even more heroes in a special “scrapbook.” This digital album of children with autism highlights their heroic efforts – everyday tasks they have mastered, which are made difficult by the disorder. Featured children include: Hunter, age 9, who learned how to complete a jigsaw puzzle in order to join his family’s favorite pastime; Justin, age 10, who practices his culinary skills as he bakes muffins, among others.
Toysrus.com/AutismSpeaks serves as a year-round resource to parents, caregivers, families and friends of children with autism. Visitors can find a list of “Ten Toys That Speak To Autism,” which provides toy suggestions to help guide anyone purchasing toys for a child with autism, as well as Safe Play Tips designed to help ensure the well-being of children on the spectrum, while encouraging the benefits of play.
Since the partnership began in 2007, Toys“R”Us, Inc., the Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund and customer contributions have combined to provide Autism Speaks with more than $8.4 million. Last year’s in-store and online fundraising campaign raised nearly $1.8 million for Autism Speaks in the U.S. Additionally, Toys“R”Us, Canada will once again lend its support to the cause by collecting donations in its nearly 70 stores and online at Toysrus.ca. Last year, Toys“R”Us Canada raised an additional $600,000 to support Autism Speaks.
Source: http://www.prnewswire.com
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