AEIOU News

AEIOU Foundation CEO leads the AEIOU Blue Crew Bridge to Brisbane team to support children with autism

Sun, 3 Jul 11

Media Release

July 2011

AEIOU Foundation CEO leads the AEIOU Blue Crew Bridge to Brisbane team

To support children with autism

AEIOU Foundation CEO Alan Smith, who won the 2010 The Sunday Mail Suncorp Bridge to Brisbane individual fundraising competition  will don his sneakers again to prepare for the 10 kilometre walk in this year’s Bridge to Brisbane where he will again raise vital funds for children with autism.  Last year, Mr smith raised more than $15,000 for AEIOU’s Blue Crew.

This year marks the fun run’s 15^th anniversary and the AEIOU Blue Crew is hitting the pavement to increase their fitness and fundraising tally in time for the largest running event in Brisbane on Sunday, 11 September.

The AEIOU Blue Crew team is on target to engage more than 200 team members and raise up to $50,000 in 2011, having already raised $5,000, and sitting in first position for team fundraising.

Mr Smith said the Foundation relies on community awareness and support, and he is impressed by the commitment and generosity of the local community and AEIOU staff, parents and friends.

“It is great to see people striving to make a difference to their local community. There are nine AEIOU centres across Queensland now, but we do need support to maintain the high quality service we deliver.  For example, we experience $10,000 funding gap for every child placement in our program every year, and by fundraising for AEIOU, the AEIOU Blue Crew will not only close that fundraising gap for children in our centres, they will raise much needed awareness about autism and by doing this, support every family in our program,” Mr Smith said.

“I welcome members of the community to join the AEIOU Blue Crew or to donate, the event has been capped at 50,000 entrants but whether you run, walk, donate or even just sponsor someone, you can make a huge difference,” Mr Smith said.

The Suncorp Bank encourages entrants to join the Highest Fundraiser for 2011 competition. Suncorp Bank will donate $5,000 to the charity nominated by the highest fundraising individual. The highest fundraiser will also be personally rewarded with $1,000 in a Suncorp Bank Everyday Basics Account.

AEIOU Foundation is a Queensland-based organisation and one of the country’s largest providers of early intervention for children diagnosed with autism aged two and a half to five years.

To actively support children with autism, register for the AEIOU Blue Crew at www.bridgetobrisbane.com, and select team competitors.

Help AEIOU Foundation CEO Alan Smith reach his fundraising goal and donate to fundraise.bridgetobrisbane.com.au/alansmith

 ENDS

Media enquiries:

Laura Daley, Fundraising and Communications Coordinator, p: 3320 7555.

Deborah Hoey, Communications Manager, p: 3320 7520