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Local parents Ana Robinson, Nicki Washburn and Megan Epper
are in training now for their 2007 challenge - trekking 70
kms of the Great Wall of China. Not only will they be physically
challenged but they have also accepted the challenge to raise
funds and awareness of autism spectrum disorders and the work
of Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect).
Ana, Nicki and Megan are all mothers of children who attend
Aspect’s Vern Barnett School for Children with Autism
based at Forestville. They will be following in the
foot steps of Aspect teachers, Becky Bush, Chris Jolly and
Brad Muffett who cycled Vietnam in July 2006 raising over
$15,000 for Aspect.
As mum Ana said “the China trek will be a personal
triumph for me as well as a great way to raise funds and awareness
for a cause I am passionate about and that is very important
to me and to my family.”
Ana and Nicki are busy promoting their coffee and cake gatherings,
encouraging businesses to sponsor the t-shirts the ladies
will wear for the Trek, and running donut drives and sausage
sizzles to raise funds and awareness. One of the local
businesses that has agreed to get behind them is Michel’s
Patisserie at Forestville.
Autism, a life-long disorder of the central nervous system,
affects how a person communicates and relates to other people
and the world around them. Aspect, the largest autism
service provider in Australia, last year supported over 6,000
people whose lives have been impacted by the disorder.
With a recent Australian study confirming prevalence to
be 1 in 160 in our population (which means that over 10,000
Australian children between the ages of 6 and 12 have an autism
spectrum disorder) Aspect is focused on increasing services
to meet the ongoing needs of this growing number.
Director, Fundraising, for Aspect, Rosemary Cottrell said, ‘We
are thrilled that so many mums are committed to supporting
Aspect by accepting this challenge. Reaching our target of
$30,000 through the sponsored challenges will fund places
for young children in our early intervention program - critical
for the long term development of those newly diagnosed with
this challenging disorder.’
Aspect has organised the China Trek and a Cycle from Vietnam
to Cambodia in partnership with cerebral palsy service provider,
The Spastic Centre based at Allambie Heights.
A free information evening is being held on 22 March at
the Vern Barnett School, 41 Cook Street, Forestville for those
who would like to learn more about the China Trek or Vietnam
to Cambodia Cycle or just dream about these countries as tourist
destinations.
If you would like to attend the info night or to support Ana,
Nicki and Megan in their quest (or our Trek Bike Asia campaign)
please contact Megan Pickering at Aspect on 8977 8370. |
