Social Circle hosts Heart of Autism fundraising Ball
Mary Dennehy
A LOCAL, parent-run organisation dedicated to the provision of social, sporting and cultural activities for children on the autism spectrum is inviting the community to support its inaugural, fundraising ball.
Established in June 2014, Social Circle is a fun club for children on the austism spectrum, their siblings and parents - with the organisation not only providing activities but generating awareness, offering support and promoting inclusion.
Saggart mam Maria O’ Callaghan founded Social Circle alongside parents Mairead Mekki, Laura Hegarty, Ally McCann and Elaine Nelson, and since its establishment the group has delivered a structured calendar of activities, which includes yoga, horse riding, Lego therapy, cycling programme, sensory integration, music classes and parent coffee mornings.
Maria told The Echo: “The reason we set-up Social Circle was due to a lack of activities for our kids.
“I had nowhere to bring my son Cillian (11), it’s hard for children on the autism spectrum to join local sports clubs.
“Myself and four other parents decided to come together and organise activities for our children, activities that would entertain, educate and socialise while catering to their interests.
She added: “Although we have been widely supported by all at South Dublin County Council, we rely heavily on fundraising and to date have been successful with numerous initiatives such as selling our own Christmas cards, bag packing and individual endurance events.
“Our next major fundraiser will be the Heart of Autism Ball…which promises to be a great night and would attract very positive attention for all attendees while also helping children affected by Autism and Aspergers to experience new and life changing opportunities.”
The Heart of Autism Ball is being staged in the Maldron Hotel, Tallaght, on February 6, with members of the community and local businesses invited to attend the event, supporting both the continued delivery of activities and helping to raise awareness around Social Circle and social inclusion.
Tickets cost €65 and include a red carpet, prosecco arrival, four course meal, six piece band, DJ and spot prizes.
Any local business in a position to buy tickets, a table or donate prizes is encouraged to get in touch with Social Circle, which has been nominated for the KidsTime Charity of the Year 2016 awards [vote for Social Circle at www.mykidstime.com.
Social Circle, which caters for families in Tallaght, Clondalkin, Lucan, Templeogue, Walkinstown and other South Dublin communities, is always open to new members and for further information, buy ball tickets or offer support call 087 3437471, visit the Social Circle Facebook page or email socialcircleasd@gmail.com
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