Toys"R"Us, Canada Launches Fundraising Campaign to Help Autism Speaks Canada
Solve the Autism Puzzle

Company Raises Funds and Awareness for the Disorder that Impacts Countless Families Across Canada

TORONTO, March 2 /CNW/ - Toys"R"Us, Canada today announced that its inaugural fundraising campaign to benefit Autism Speaks Canada began on Sunday, February 28 and will continue through Friday, April 30. Throughout the campaign, Toys"R"Us stores will offer customers an Autism Speaks puzzle piece in exchange for a $1 donation. Monetary donations will also be collected online at Toysrus.ca. Autism Speaks is North America's largest autism science and advocacy organization. Dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism, the organization increases awareness of autism spectrum disorders and advocates for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

"The prevalence of autism is on the rise and it is impacting countless families, including those of our customers and employees," said Kevin Macnab, President, Toys"R"Us, Canada. "At Toys"R"Us, we love kids and are proud to partner with Autism Speaks Canada to help raise awareness and money for this important cause."

Since 2007, Toys"R"Us, Inc. has served as the sponsor of Walk Now for Autism Speaks events in the United States. This year's support has expanded to encompass all of the Walks across Canada, including Toronto on June 20, Edmonton on September 12 and Vancouver on September 26. During each event, held in communities throughout North America, teams of regional Toys"R"Us employees will walk alongside the company's iconic mascot Geoffrey the Giraffe and individuals with autism, their families and friends to raise money and awareness.

"We are extremely grateful to have the support of Toys"R"Us Canada in our mission to help solve the autism puzzle," said Suzanne Lanthier, Executive Director of Autism Speaks Canada. "The company's nine-week fundraising campaign will provide significant awareness about autism in communities across the country, while generating much-needed funds as we search for the cause and cure of this disorder, bringing hope to families who live everyday with the often devastating emotional and financial realities of autism."

All funds raised in the nearly 70 Toys"R"Us stores in Canada, online and through the Canadian Walk Now for Autism Speaks events will go directly to Autism Speaks Canada to support research and advocacy efforts.

Information about the 2010 campaign is available on the company's website, Toysrus.ca.

About Toys"R"Us, Canada

Toys"R"Us (Canada) Ltd., is part of Toys"R"Us, Inc., the world's leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer. Toys"R"Us, Canada operates nearly 70 stores across the country. For store locations and convenient online shopping, visit www.toysrus.ca.

About Toys"R"Us, Inc.

Toys"R"Us, Inc. is the world's leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. It currently sells merchandise in more than 1,550 stores, including 849 Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores in the United States, and more than 700 international stores in 33 countries, consisting of both licensed and franchised stores. In addition, it owns and operates the legendary FAO Schwarz brand and sells extraordinary toys in the brand's flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com, Babiesrus.com, eToys.com, FAO.com and babyuniverse.com, it provides shoppers with an unparalleled online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. Headquartered in Wayne, NJ, Toys"R"Us, Inc. employs approximately 70,000 associates worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need.

About Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is North America's largest autism science and advocacy organization. Since its inception only five short years ago, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $131 million to research and developing innovative new resources for families through 2014. The organization 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. In addition to funding research, Autism Speaks also supports the Autism Treatment Network, Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and several other scientific and clinical programs. Notable awareness initiatives include the establishment of the annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and an award-winning "Learn the Signs" campaign with the Ad Council which has received over $200 million in donated media. Autism Speaks' family resources include the Autism Video Glossary, a 100 Day Kit for newly-diagnosed families, a School Community Tool Kit, a community grant program and much more. Autism Speaks has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the government's response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to cover behavioral treatments. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 80 cities across North America. To learn more about Autism Speaks Canada and the Walk Now for Autism Speaks program, go to www.autismspeaks.ca.

For further information: Media Contact: Toys"R"Us, Canada: Victoria Spada, [phone] ext. 2729, [email protected]