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 programmes.
1. FUN PICNIC AND WALK ON 12 APRIL
We invite you to come and join us at Rietvlei Zoo Farm on Saturday 12 April for a fun picnic and walk to raise money for the Els for Autism Foundation. All proceeds will be donated to the Els for Autism Foundation.
Starts at 10.00am
Walk starts at 10.30am
Ends at 4.00pm
Entrance Fees: Adults R30, Children (under 12yr) R20, Pensioners R10
Extra R10 cost to do the walk – proceeds go to Fundraising.
Don’t forget to wear BLUE to support Autism Awareness month!
Please contact Claire Youngman for more information: claire.youngman@ernieels.com
2. ‘LIGHT IT UP BLUE’ FOR AUTISM AWARENSS DAY AND MONTH
We at the Ernie Els Centre for Autism, along with all Autism organizations around the world, invite you to join us in commemorating the United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day with the ‘Light It Up Blue’ campaign, a unique global initiative that focuses on raising awareness about autism. In honour of this historic day, many iconic landmarks – including the Nelson Mandela Bridge – plus shopping malls and local houses will be taking part in this annual event.
How you can ‘Light It Up Blue’…
– You and your employees or colleagues Wear Blue on 2 April
– Change outdoor or indoor white light bulbs to Blue for the month, OR Change your menu or displays to be blue themed with the light it up blue logo
– Host a Blue themed party or event
– Bake blue foods, such as the Bubble-gum Milkshake, Blue iced cupcakes, and so on
– Paint/Make a collage/Colour Light it Up Blue Light Bulb
– Create your own fundraiser, giving the proceeds to the Ernie Els Centre, or other local autism organizations
– Distribute information about Autism, World Autism Awareness Day and Light it Up Blue in your workplace, school or community
– Turn your website blue, adding the ‘Light It Up Blue’ logo or a link to our website
– Tell everyone about your participation, in e-blasts, on social networks and on your website.
We at the Ernie Els Centre for Autism encourage all individuals and businesses alike to help us in spreading the awareness about Autism throughout our community. Please visit our YouTube video for more information regarding the Light it up blue campaign – http://youtu.be/-Pc2mhAJQHs
You are also welcome to contact us directly for more details. Email: claire.youngman@ernieels.com
3. BARNYARD THEATRE FUNDRAISER EVENT
Thank you to everyone who attended the Cresta Barnyard Fundraising event in aid of the Els for Autism Foundation. A good time was had by all and the foundation was able to raise R14485.00. The funds will contribute towards the Centre’s overall growth and expansion so that the service can be as effective and reachable as possible for families who need support. On behalf of Els for Autism, we would like to express our utmost gratitude for your donation and support for South Africa’s autism community.
4. AUTISM PINS: GET INVOLVED!
Please do get involved in selling our autism pins in April for our April Awareness Month campaign. You can contact us to purchase yours or help us by selling these on to generate awareness and funds for the Els for Autism cause. The pins will be sold at golf clubs and other venues who have agreed to get involved. Pins will be R30 per pin and all donations will go to the Els for Autism Foundation. For more information please contact:
claire.youngman@ernieels.com
duncan.woods@ernieels.com
5. ABOUT ELS FOR AUTISM 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 affects 1 in 88 children. 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 programmes.
