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. The Ernie Els Centre for Autism supports Mandela Day
The Ernie Els Centre will be celebrating and embracing Mandela Day on Friday 18 July. The staff and volunteers will also be giving the Centre an all-new paint job. The overarching objective of Mandela Day is to inspire individuals to take action to help change the world for the better and, in doing so, build a global movement for good. Ultimately it seeks to empower communities everywhere with the motto: ‘Take Action; Inspire Change; Make Every Day a Mandela Day’.
Ernie spoke movingly at the time of President Mandela’s passing in December 2013. “Speaking personally, it was of course the greatest honour for me to have met President Mandela and the conversations that we had will always be among the most treasured memories of my lifetime. He is the most special human being that I ever met.
“Anyone who ever met or saw President Mandela was often surprised that he was such a big man, but his presence went way beyond the physical. There was something magical about him and when he walked into a room he immediately filled it with his amazing aura and charisma, but at the same time he was such a humble man, too. He was an unbelievable guy and the guys who lived in that generation will really miss him. He will go down as probably the greatest leader we have ever known, but the truth is he touched the lives of people all around the world and his legacy will surely benefit future generations, too.”
Individuals and organisations are, of course, encouraged to participate in Mandela Day as they wish. We do, however, urge everyone to adhere to the ethical framework of ‘service to one’s fellow human’. For more information visit the website: http://www.mandeladay.com/
Finally, here at the Ernie Els Centre we would like to express our grateful thanks to Mario Haralambos, the owner of Warrior Paints Linden, who is donating the paint and also drop sheets, rollers, etc. This would not be possible without them. Please contact Claire.youngman@ernieels.com for more information or details of how you could take part in this great day.
We would like to express our thanks to the organizers and partners of Mandela Day for kindly allowing us permission to use the above image.
2. Join us at Parkers Comedy Club in aid of Els for Autism SA
Here’s a date for the diary, Tuesday 2 September, and we’d love it if you were able to join us at the Parkers Comedy Club. Tickets are R280 per person and that includes a direct charitable contribution to the centre, a great night of comedy with an incredible line-up, a glass of Ernie Els wine as a welcome drink and delicious finger snacks. The show starts at 7.30pm. Please contact claire.youngman@ernieels.com to either sponsor this fun event or book your tickets for the night.
3. Els for Autism Fundraiser Golf Day at The Els Club Copperleaf
The ever-popular Els for Autism Golf Day on Friday 27 June at the fabulous Els Club Copperleaf was once again a big hit both on and off the golf course. In addition, Els for Autism was able to raise around R30 000 00 for the Centre. We would like to thank the following for their assistance in making the day such a great success: The Els Club Copperleaf, Maui Jim, Golf Resorts Club, Gustave Schoombee, Ernie Els Wines, Jeremy Campion, Illy and Thirst Bar Services. For more photos of the day please see Jermey Campions facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.261868434016848.1073741835.251531688383856&type=1
4. Maui Jim supports Ernie Els and Els for Autism SA
Maui Jim, one of Ernie’s sponsors, was kind enough to donate four pairs of its fantastic sunglasses as prizes at the Els for Autism Golf Day and we would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their support. The winning golfers are no doubt seeing the world clearer than ever, thanks to Maui Jim’s UV-Ray blocking polarized lenses.
Established in Hawaii in 1980, Maui Jim is now the fastest growing premium polarized sunglass maker in the world. Seeing a need in the market for technology that could combat intense glare and harmful UV while bringing the brilliant colours of this Pacific island to life, Maui Jim engineered the revolutionary PolarizedPlus® lens and continues to offer its fans high-performance design developments with one goal in mind, to create the best sunglasses on the planet.
Talking at the time of the announcement of his new partnership with Maui Jim, Ernie commented, “Long before I became an ambassador for Maui Jim, I was a customer having bought several pairs of its sunglasses. That’s sometimes how the best commercial partnerships start and it certainly was the case here. This is a world-class product and I’m happy to be part of the team.”
For more information, please contact Maui Jim’s Sales Manager Luciano Caolo – email LCaolo@mauijim.com – or visit the website: http://www.mauijim.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 in the U.S 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.
