NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - March 21, 2016) - GameStop Corp., a global family of specialty retail brands that makes the most popular technologies affordable and simple, today announced a partnership with Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. Taking place throughout Autism Awareness Month, April 1 - 30, GameStop and its family of brands will participate in a fundraising and awareness campaign to benefit Autism Speaks.
This is GameStop's first time partnering with Autism Speaks to conduct an in-store and online donation campaign. Customers at the company's GameStop, Spring Mobile AT&T and Cricket Wireless, Simply Mac and ThinkGeek retail stores will have the opportunity to donate to Autism Speaks at point-of-purchase. The campaign will be supported by specialized in-store and online promotional materials, and online outreach through GameStop's mobile gaming division, Kongregate, and gaming magazine, Game Informer.
"We are proud to partner with Autism Speaks this April," said Matt Hodges, vice president of public and investor relations. "This partnership is extra special to the GameStop family. Many of our associates and customers have shared how the video game and technology products we sell have helped them have a meaningful relationship with their child who has autism. We look forward to a successful campaign and helping those families impacted by autism."
This initiative is supported by GameStop's passionate store associates, who are committed to giving back to the communities in which they work, live and play. As a 'thank you' to those customers who donate $1 or more, GameStop is offering triple PowerUp Rewards points on the donation amount.
"We are thrilled to see the world of gaming and technology embrace autism," said Autism Speaks Vice President of Corporate Development Peter Morton. "We are grateful for this partnership since GameStop's campaign will raise awareness of autism across the country."
The donations raised through the GameStop campaign will help fund the Autism Speaks Family Services iPad Grant program, which provides iPads to financially disadvantaged children and adults with autism. iPads have become valuable tools for many people on the autism spectrum, allowing them to access apps that help advance communication and learning skills. Autism Speaks has donated more than 4,000 iPads to recipients across the country since in 2012.
In addition, the money raised will also fund the research and science program at Autism Speaks, which enables the development of technological advances that improve the health and quality of life for individuals with autism and their families.
Since its inception in 2005, Autism Speaks has committed more than $570 million to its mission, the majority going toward science and medical research.
To find your local GameStop, Simply Mac, Spring Mobile AT&T, or ThinkGeek stores, visit www.gamestop.com, www.simplymac.com, www.springmobile.com, or www.thinkgeek.com. To learn more about Autism Speaks, visit: autismspeaks.org.
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 genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, and repetitive behaviors. An estimated 1 in 68 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum.
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. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $570 million to its mission, the majority in science and medical research. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 70 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.
About GameStop Corp.
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General information about GameStop Corp. can be obtained at the company's corporate website. Follow GameStop on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GameStop and find GameStop on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GameStop.
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Contact Information:
Media Contacts:
Autism Speaks
Jacqueline Kepping
(646) 385-8544
Jacqueline.Kepping@autismspeaks.org
GameStop
Martha Martinez-Sotelo
(817) 722-7950
MarthaMartinez-Sotelo@gamestop.com