TORONTO, April 17, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spin Master Ltd., a global leader and one of the top five U.S. toy manufacturers*, and its popular Kinetic Sand line of squeezable sands has announced a new partnership in the U.S. and Canada with Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization.
"We are grateful to Spin Master for its commitment to the 1 in 68 people living with autism," said Alec Elbert, chief strategy and development officer, Autism Speaks. "The funds that will be raised via our partnership are vital to providing a better future for those who are affected by the disorder."
The agreement will see Spin Master raise funds for the organization through the sale of Kinetic Sand, in addition to exploring the positive benefits that play skills and social experiences may have for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).
"Kinetic Sand is a motivating and versatile sensory activity with many educational and self-regulation benefits," says Keri Wilmot, toy expert (www.ToyQueen.com) and pediatric occupational therapist. "While utilizing Kinetic Sand with individuals with autism, I've personally witnessed children who have demonstrated more confidence to imitate new motor actions, communicate with peers or create colorful scenes inspired by their own unique imagination. In addition, Kinetic Sand is an amazing self-calming activity, as many children and adults happily prefer to manipulate the silky texture, sifting Kinetic Sand through their fingertips, marveling at its quiet movement as a means of relaxation."
April is Autism Awareness Month in the United States and around the world, featuring a wide range of Light It Up Blue-themed activities that help spread awareness of ASDs.
Spin Master will be joining the celebration in 2015 with a variety of activities, including exclusive Kinetic Sand play table experiences at various retail locations and at the annual Walk Now for Autism Speaks events at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California on April 18, 2015 and at Earl Bales Park in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on June 21, 2015.
"We as an organization are truly excited to be joining forces with Autism Speaks to support their education, research and awareness efforts," said Krista DiBerardino, Chief Marketing Officer of Spin Master Ltd. "Spin Master has long promoted the positive impact that play can have for all children and by partnering with Autism Speaks, we can further demonstrate our commitment to providing high-quality play experiences to young people everywhere."
For more information on Autism Speaks and World Autism Awareness Day, please visit http://www.AutismSpeaks.org.
*Source: The NPD Group / US Retail Tracking Service / Annual 2013 / Dollar Volume
For additional information please contact:
Tara Tucker
Vice President, Global Marketing Communications
Spin Master Ltd.
416-768-5295 (mobile)
tarat@spinmaster.com
About Spin Master Ltd.
A multi-category children's entertainment company, Spin Master has been designing, developing, manufacturing, and marketing consumer products for children around the world since 1994 and is recognized as a global leader within the toy industry. Spin Master is best known for award winning, innovative brands including action phenomena Bakugan Battle Brawlers™, Zoomer™, Air Hogs®, and Spin Master Games™ including 2014 Game of the Year, Boom Boom Balloon ™. In 2013 Spin Master acquired the international Meccano™ brand and has re-launched the brand with the iconic Meccanoid G15 KS™, introducing robotics and embracing the global Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) movement. In 2015 the company expanded its reach within children's media and entertainment, launching SpindoTV, a YouTube channel dedicated to broadcasting Spin Master Entertainment's original television and media properties, including the hit animated preschool series, PAW Patrol™. Spin Master employs over 900 people with offices in Toronto, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Hong Kong, Mexico City, Munich, and Milan.
About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure 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. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $525 million to its mission, the majority in science and medical research. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 100 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 60 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness.
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