Latest news from the Ernie Els Centre for Autism in South Africa, providing lower resourced families of children on the autism spectrum with free access to effective education for their child via e-learning programs.
1. Saluting all our champions of Autism Awareness month
Around the globe people worked together to help make April’s Autism Awareness and Acceptance month a success. Throughout the month, the Els for Autism team did their part to raise awareness and acceptance for the autism community, engaging with fans, companies, donors and the PGA TOUR. Indeed, as has become tradition these past few years, Ernie and his fellow PGA TOUR players, including the tournament’s winner Jim Furyk, wore blue on the Friday of the RBC Heritage at the iconic Harbour Town Links. Ernie also brought his customary, special edition blue lion headcover into play for the month of April (pictured above).
“Huge thanks to my sponsors, RBC and Boeing, the players, tournament officials, media and fans for their collective show of support for autism awareness,” reflected Ernie. “We’re so grateful to everyone who jumps on board with us during April and helps shine a light on Autism Awareness Month.”
Elsewhere, some of our other many and varied activities were partnering with the Golden Lions Rugby Union team (see story below) as well as with Jimmy Jungles Indoor Play Centre in Greenstone, Johannesburg. While in Florida a Craft Beer evening was held at Old Palm Golf Club in aid of Els for Autism.
2. Emirates Golden Lions play – and win – for Els for Autism
On Saturday 25 April, The Emirates Golden Lions beat the Toyota Cheetahs at the Emirates Airline Park. This was not just any win, as the Lions had chosen to dedicate this game to Els for Autism, thus making this a victory also for Autism Awareness and Acceptance in South Africa. Lions staff, including the coach and manager, proudly wore our blue-and-white awareness pins. Furthermore, each Lions team member confidently showed off their support of Els for Autism by wearing custom made blue wristbands that could easily be seen by all the fans both in the stadium and those watching on television. One of the proudest Lions fans around, Ernie Els, sent a video message that was aired on social media and at the game, thanking the Lions and their fans for their support. It was a great game and incredible day for all concerned. Go Lions!
3. Jimmy Jungles’ autism-friendly playtime is a big hit
The Ernie Els Centre for Autism joined up with Jimmy Jungles in Greenstone Mall, Johannesburg, in aid of Autism Awareness month. Jimmy Jungles staff had a brief introductory training session, in order to increase their understanding of children with autism. Els for Autism SA then had three consecutive Fridays where our families were given free entry, and our children were given free reign at this wonderful indoor play area. Here, our families were given time to relax, while our kids got to play without hesitation. “Thank you to all the families who participated,” commented Shani Lits, Director of the Ernie Els Centre for Autism in Johannesburg, “and thank you to Jimmy Jungles for giving our families this experience. We look forward to future collaborations for our families.
This small gesture on behalf of Jimmy Jungles went a long way for our families, and as one mother explained: “Our family would like to express our tremendous gratitude to all the people who were involved with making the Jimmy Jungles Experience possible. It was very special for the four of us to enjoy an outing as a family. It happens very seldom. Indoor play areas are usually impractical for us, and it has, in the past, even been traumatic. The reasons are multiple: ignorance about autism, unhygienic playgrounds, insufficient supervision, overcrowding, and also the bright lights and noise-levels causing sensory overload.
“Usually, we have to compromise. Playgrounds that are enjoyable for our normally developing daughter are a nightmare for our son. As a result we generally avoid it. But, at Jimmy Jungles, we were ALL able to enjoy it. The facilities are great, the staff were very sensitive and eager, and the autism-friendly adjustments made it a truly fantastic experience for us all. Although we live far away, it was such a great experience, that we would happily take the drive to Johannesburg, should another opportunity arise.”
4. Ernie Els Wines menu ‘goes blue’ in the month of April
Ernie Els Wines got behind the April Autism Awareness campaign by customizing some of the dishes on the ever-popular winery lunch menu. Head chef at Ernie Els Wines, Amelia Hanekom, got creative by baking blue breads and rolls to be served in the cheese and meat charcuterie platter and with the famous Big Easy burger, throughout the month of April. The blue bread dishes caused a real stir amongst patrons, and were a great opportunity to start conversations about autism awareness and acceptance.
5. Ride for a purpose with the Ernie Els Centre for Autism
Once again, the 94.7 Momentum Cycle challenge is offering cyclists to use this challenge as an opportunity to raise awareness and funds to causes close to their hearts. This year we invite all cyclists to cycle for Els for Autism, established by Ernie and Liezl Els in 2009. We need a minimum of 20 registered cyclists to form an official team for the Challenge, taking place in November.
Once we have the privilege of having you on our team, we ask that you commit to raising a minimum of R1500, by any means you choose. The more money we raise as a team, the better chance we have of receiving early start times for the next cycle challenge. Furthermore, whoever manages to raise the most funds for us will receive a surprise gift for all their hard work! Please note that you will be given an Ernie Els Centre cycling team shirt, as a token of our appreciation, to wear for the day of the Cycle challenge. For further information, please email shani.zuk@ernieels.com.
