AEIOU News

NRMA Insurance Broncos Kicking Goals for Children with Autism

Fri, 8 Apr 11

NRMA Insurance Broncos Kicking Goals for Children with Autism

The NRMA Insurance Broncos are kicking goals for children with autism by donating $100 for every goal kicked by back rower Corey Parker to AEIOU Foundation, a charity that provides early intervention for children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who are aged two-and-a-half to five years.

The news coincides with this month’s Autism Awareness celebrations, with AEIOU Foundation set to be the allocated Charity Partner at tonight’s match with the Newcastle Knights at Suncorp Stadium.

AEIOU Foundation CEO Alan Smith said he is delighted with the move, which he anticipates will raise up $10,000 for the Foundation.

“The Brisbane Broncos Charities Fund is a sponsor of AEIOU Foundation’s 10:40:600 program, and currently donate $10,000 a year to support children in our program. Furthermore, Corey Parker is an official ambassador for the Foundation and we have enjoyed a great relationship with both Corey and the Broncos for several years now,” Mr Smith said.

AEIOU Foundation Chairman James Morton said the move is terrific news. “As an avid supporter of the Broncos, I am absolutely thrilled to see the Team support local charities in this way,” Dr Morton said.

“This is wonderful, not only will this raise much needed funds for AEIOU Foundation, it will help us to raise awareness about ASD and the work we do to help children reach their full potential.”

Broncos CEO Paul White said the announcement was timed to coincide with Autism Awareness Month, which takes place throughout the month of April.

“In 2007 the Brisbane Broncos established a Charity Partner Program as part of our commitment to assisting, and giving back to the Queensland community,” Mr White said.

“Last year, along with our donation, we released 1,000 balloons with staff, parents and children affiliated with AEIOU Foundation to represent the 1,000 hours of early intervention per year that children with autism need to meet best practice recommendations to give them the best opportunity to reach their full potential.”

“This year we’re building on that and putting our money on Corey Parker to kick as many goals as he can throughout the season. Better yet, we are backdating the funding to the start of the season. That means we’ve already raised $1100.”

The initiative is transferrable, so any goal kicked by another member of the Brisbane Broncos will raise an additional $100 for AEIOU Foundation.

This month AEIOU Foundation also lit Brisbane’s Story Bridge blue for autism awareness. Mr Smith said it’s important to for the community to get behind Autism Awareness Month as autism is not a rare disorder.

“Autism affects more than one in 160 people in Australia. There is no known cause, and it is a lifelong disorder. Because there are no physical symptoms, it is often misunderstood and can leave people feeling very isolated,” Mr Smith said.

Children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulties in communication, social interaction, repetitive behaviour and routines as well as sensory issue and fine motor skills. There is no cure for autism, but early intervention can help make a difference.   More than 70% of children that complete the AEIOU Foundation program successfully transition to school.  For more information about AEIOU Foundation, go to www.aeiou.org.au.

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Media enquiries:

Laura Daley, Fundraising and Communications Coordinator, p: 3320 7555, e: laura.daley@aeiou.org.au

Deborah Hoey, Communications Manager, p: 3320 7520, e: deborah.hoey@aeiou.org.au