“The Big Autism Thing” (BAT) is an initiative developed by the Association for Autism and Charity on the Go in 2012. At the time both organizations were registered non-profit-organizations working within the charity sector striving to create a better life for disabled people.
This event has developed into an annual event based around a different activity each year. One large scale activity per year will be arranged to raise awareness and raise funding for autistic people.
Currently services to these people are severely lacking, and this event will act as a vehicle to provide much needed awareness and funding for the benefit of autistic people.
As in 2012, BAT 2015 will be a large scale sponsored coastal walk. The walk will kick off in Port Shepstone on 1 March 2015 and will be completed in Strand on 2 May 2015.
The start of the big walk will now be at KAPENTA BAY HOTEL, PORT SHEPSTONE BEACH FRONT (continue south along the beachfront road from the lighthouse and you will find Kapenta Bay Hotel a short distance along the road)
Six full time Champions will walk a designated route each day for the duration of the event. As they enter towns, the local autism organization (if any), support groups, residents and other community organizations will join the walk. Local organizations will then also get exposure as part of the project.
The Champions will arrange to meet with mayors, local authorities or community representatives in towns, where autism information will be disseminated and any funding raised will be handed over. This will allow photo opportunities and the promotions of all stakeholders of that specific portion of the journey. The Champions will continuously keep in touch with the broader community via Facebook and Twitter and will post photos, videos and narratives online as the walk progresses.
Apart from the Champions, there will be a support volunteer team, making up the “ground crew”. They will ensure that autism information is available. The ground crew will also arrange for appropriate marketing and promotional materials ahead of the arrival of the Champions in towns. The ground crew will also be in charge of first aid during the journey.
All accommodation for the Champions and ground crew will be arranged in advance in conjunction with local communities.
We would like to appeal to your company for any form of sponsorship that you are able to provide to The Big Autism Thing 2015. All sponsorships and donations will be acknowledged in the press, social media, our website as well as the annual report. Section 18A certificates are available to be issued to donors.
Please feel welcome to contact me should you require any further information.
Regards,
Angus Moore, Tour Coordinator
