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. About Els for Autism in South Africa
The Els for Autism Foundation was established in 2009 by Ernie and Liezl Els to focus on the issue of autism. The Els’ son Ben is severely touched by the disorder, which in the US affects 1 in 68 children and 1 in 42 boys. For the last five years Ernie and Liezl have devoted their efforts to a catalytic philanthropic project, The Els Center of Excellence. This first-of-its-kind Center will focus on a digital e-learning platform that gives children on the spectrum around the world access to best practices in education and therapy. It will also help connect the international autism community with best practices and the very latest information and research. South Africa currently boasts the first international link to The Center of Excellence. Located in Johannesburg, The Ernie Els Centre for Autism provides lower resourced families of children on the spectrum with FREE access to effective education for their child via e-learning programs.
2. The Ernie Els Centre for Autism hosts first #GameOn Clinic
The Ernie Els Centre for Autism is pleased to announce that the excellent #GameON Autism Golf Clinic program creating awareness and wellness through sport, established in the US and endorsed by the PGA of America and The First Tee, is being transported to South Africa in the same winning format. The first event is scheduled for Thursday 30 October at Glendower Golf Club, to whom we offer our sincere gratitude for their hospitality.
These #GameON Autism Golf Clinics focus on life skill development, healthy eating and lifestyles. Each will offer approximately 15 beginner-to-intermediate players from ages 6-23 years an orientation to the game of golf. The clinic is specially designed for individuals with autism and is one hour in duration, including 30 minutes of golf, 15 minutes of bodily/kinesthetic activity, and a 15-minute healthy refreshment break. It promises to be an exciting and groundbreaking day for the children. For more details please email claire.youngman@ernieels.com. We’ll also have a follow-up story and photos in our next newsletter in November.
3. Comedy evening in aid of Els for Autism on the 21October
Our series of Comedy Nights has been extremely well received, so we’re wasting no time in following-up with another such event on 21 October at the usual venue, Parkers Comedy Club and Jive, Montecasino. Tickets are R240.00 per person and that includes a direct charitable contribution to the Centre, a great night of comedy with an incredible line up, plus welcome drink and delicious finger snacks.
The show starts at 7.30pm and features performances from Kedibone Mulaudzi, Ngoba Ngcobo, Hannes Brummer and Mel Miller. Please contact claire.youngman@ernieelscom to sponsor this great event or to book your tickets. We are also happy to point out that if you use UBER for your luxury transport you’ll receive a R200.00 discount when signing up and a further R50 donation will be paid to The Ernie Els Centre for Autism. The code for your R200.00 discount will be sent to you when you purchase your tickets.
4. Ride for a purpose, ride for Els for Autism South Africa
Entries are now open for the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge 2014, your chance to use pedal power to raise funds for Els for Autism in South Africa. The campaign takes place over three days (13-15 November) and represents a wonderful fundraising initiative. We’d love you to take part and we’ll even pay your entry fee on the condition that you are able to raise R1500.00 for the Centre. Maybe you could get 15 of your family and friends to donate R100 each to the cause?
It is estimated that one child every hour is born with autism in South Africa. More shockingly, less than .001 per cent of these children is expected to receive access to beneficial education. Ernie and Liezl Els embarked on a goal, in early January 2011, to create a service that would allow lower-resourced families of children on the spectrum in South Africa with free access to effective treatment. Thus The Ernie Els Centre for Autism was established. We believe that every child with autism can learn and deserves access to effective education, at the same time recognising that every parent and family member plays an important role in helping their child reach his or her fullest potential.
Speaking on behalf of The Ernie Els Centre for Autism, Claire Youngman commented, “riding for Els for Autism will greatly reinforce the efforts of our hard working parents. Moreover, the funds will contribute towards the Centre’s overall growth and expansion so that our service can be as effective and reachable as possible for families who need support. I would like to express our utmost gratitude for your donation and support for South Africa’s autism community.”
Information
Charity Bond: A charity bond is a team that is put together by a particular charity to help raise funds for the charity. The charity makes use of the event as a platform for fundraising. Having a charity bond is used to create awareness for the Els for Autism Foundation. As the Els for Autism Foundation is registered with the event, the charity bond will be given a favourable start group and time.
Seedings and Start Times: Pro-cyclists or non-novice cyclists can also enter with the Els for Autism Foundation. The system will seed them according to their index and if they have a better start time, they will be seeded at that time. They may choose to drop to the charity start time, or to ride with their peers. All novice cyclists will be put directly into the charity start time, if their time is after the charity start time, they will be put into the charity start group.
Entries and Race Number Collections: Entries are to be completed online at http://www.cyclechallenge.co.za/. The entrant needs to select their charity being the Els for Autism Foundation. A request email is then generated to the Els for Autism Foundation and the cyclist will be added to the charity. The Els Centre will pay for your entry and Jersey on condition for you raising R1500.00 for the centre. Maybe you could get 15 of your family and friends to donate R100 each to your cause and you get to ride for free plus get a free, great quality cycling jersey. Race Number Collection takes place three days before race day at the Coca Cola Dome.
Race Dates
Thursday 13 November 2014: 09.00-18.00
Friday 14 November 2014: 09.00-20.00
Saturday 15 November 2014: 09.00-15.00
Please contact Claire Youngman for more details: Claire.youngman@ernieels.com
5. Extended working hours at the Ernie Els Centre for Autism
Here at The Ernie Els Centre for Autism we understand the difficulties some families and parents face when it comes to having extremely busy schedules during the working week, therefore we are happy to announce that the Centre will now open on one Saturday in every month. The new extended working hours began on 27 September and will allow us to give our services a wider reach and accommodate more families on the autism program to help make their lives easier. For more information please email claire.youngman@ernieels.com
