EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mattel (Nasdaq: MAT) today announced the start of its fourth annual global Mattel 12 Days of Play program, a series of holiday-themed philanthropic events that will give the gift of play to more than 100,000 children in more than 30 countries. Born out of Mattel’s belief that every child deserves the opportunity to play, Mattel 12 Days of Play brings Mattel employees together to impact the lives of children at underserved schools, hospitals, food banks, orphanages and other community organizations around the world with a variety of play, toys and fun activities.
Mattel 12 Days of Play began as a local event in one city and has now blossomed into an annual, global movement with events that quadrupled in size, scale and scope in just four short years. Thousands of children in locations across the globe, such as Malaysia, China, Australia, Chile and Spain, will experience play through this unique program. From the opportunity to feel the unique delight in opening a special holiday gift just for them, to the excitement of experiencing snow for the first time at one of several signature Mattel Winter Wonderland events in the Los Angeles area, Mattel 12 Days of Play includes a variety of one-of-a-kind play experiences.
Mattel believes play is fundamental to learning and development at all ages and all children have a right to the time, place, tools and an advocate for play in their lives. Because of this, Mattel’s philanthropic work is focused on allowing more children to have access to play, and this award-winning program enables Mattel employees globally to give the gift of play to children in need through thousands of service hours and more than 100,000 toys.
Mattel 12 Days of Play is part of Mattel’s broader social impact portfolio in which the company donates two percent of its pre-tax profits to philanthropic causes each year. Powered by its employee volunteers, the Mattel PLAYers (Partners in Local Activities for Youth) serve as the driving force behind Mattel’s philanthropic culture. Each year, these volunteers display their passion and spirit of giving back to their communities and helping those in need, with nearly 100 percent participating in the company’s holiday activities.
Los Angeles Area Events
In the Los Angeles area alone, more than 2,000 reindeer-hat-wearing volunteers will join children at inner-city elementary schools and the Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA. Working with its signature partner Playworks, as well as LA’s BEST and other local organizations, Mattel will create eight Winter Wonderlands - magical play areas with approximately 400 tons of snow combined, where nearly 5,000 children, ages 6 – 11, will have unforgettable play dates with the world’s experts in play.
These events will feature real falling snow and activities such as sledding, ice skating, racing Hot Wheels® cars down a 40-foot track, photo opportunities with real-life Barbie®, a chance to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and plenty of toys. On Dec. 5, Mattel’s global headquarters in El Segundo will transform into the Second (El Segundo) North Pole as it is covered in more than 100 tons of snow and real flakes fall from the sky. At the Second North Pole, kids will be able to sled down three tracks, drive Power Wheels® through an obstacle course and enjoy many other one-of-a-kind play experiences.
In addition to a number of other volunteer events and charitable donations to organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the LA Area Regional Food Bank, 12 Days of Play event highlights include:
December 3: Winter Wonderland at 112th Street Elementary
December 4: Winter Wonderland at Jefferson Elementary
December 5: Winter Wonderland at Mattel Headquarters
December 6: Winter Wonderland on Ice at the Toyota Sports Center
December 9: Winter Wonderland at Grape Street Elementary
December 10: Winter Wonderland at Figueroa Elementary
December 11: Winter Wonderland at 10th Street Elementary
December 12: Winter Wonderland at Washington Elementary
About Mattel Children’s Foundation
The Mattel Children's Foundation was established in 1978 with a vision of making a meaningful difference in the lives of children in need around the world. Today, the Foundation continues its focus with a commitment to the importance of play and supports programs that address barriers of play that children face: time to play, place to play, tools to play with, and advocates for play in a child’s life. The Foundation operates strategic grantmaking through support of domestic and international programs, as well as international scholarships to children of employees and matching gifts for Mattel employee donations. During its history, the Foundation has partnered with thousands of organizations and has impacted the lives of millions of children around the world. The Mattel Children's Foundation is incorporated as a separate charitable organization and is funded exclusively by cash donations from Mattel, Inc. as a part of its commitment to dedicate 2% of its pretax profit to philanthropic efforts.
About Mattel Inc.
Mattel, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAT) is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products. The Mattel family is comprised of such best-selling brands as Barbie®, the most popular fashion doll ever produced, Hot Wheels®, Monster High®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends® and Fisher-Price® brands, including Little People® and Power Wheels®, as well as a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. In 2013, Mattel was named as one of FORTUNE Magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For" for the sixth year in a row and as one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" by Ethisphere Magazine. Mattel also is ranked No. 2 on Corporate Responsibility Magazine's "100 Best Corporate Citizens" list. With worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel employs nearly 30,000 people in 40 countries and territories and sells products in more than 150 nations. At Mattel, we are Creating the Future of Play. Visit us at www.mattel.com, www.facebook.com/mattel or www.twitter.com/mattel.
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