Cheer For A Steer - Fundraising Campaign For Free Autism Hotline

Cheer for a Steer Fundraising Campaign for Free Autism Hotline

The Autism Advisory and Support Service (AASS) is launching a fundraising campaign to keep a free Australia wide 24 hour Autism Hotline in operation.

Families of Autistic children face many emotional, social, physical and financial challenges. For many parents and family members, autism support groups and other specialised assistance can be life saving.

Federal Government statistics show that over 50% of children in NSW aged 0-5 with an Autism Spectrum Disorder live within a 40km radius of Liverpool in western Sydney. With a higher percentage of children affected by Autism in south-west metropolitan area compared to the rest of Sydney and the State, the AASS is a much valued service in the community.

The star of the show will be a steer generously donated by a patron. The steer will be paraded in country fairs and shows in Windsor (20th February), Canberra (27th February), Castle Hill (12th-14th March), Camden (19th March) and Hawkesbury (23-25 March). It will later be auctioned off to raise funds for the Hotline and to create general awareness about Autism.

The Hotline is run by volunteer parents of children with Autism. The general public is encouraged to come along and support the cause.

"People working in the Autism field are very supportive of the Hotline and have wondered why a 24 hour Hotline is not in existence already. This will enable parents to call any time day or night and seek advice and support from parents of children with Autism who have been through similar experiences. It certainly eases the burden to know you are not alone and have somewhere to go," says Grace Fava, AASS President.

The AASS is an independent group established by local parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in Liverpool. It provides support to children with Autism and their families in South West Sydney by running free regular support groups, workshops, playgroups and providing advice, information and referral from their premises. This group is run by volunteers and relies heavily on donations.

Community First Step, one of the largest independent, not-for-profit community organisations serving South West Sydney, has provided support to AASS in planning and organising its activities and has assisted them in becoming independent.

To make a donation or for further information, please call : (02) 9601 2844, 0421 245 839 or 0432 327 096, e-mail: [email protected] or visit www.aass.org.au.



CFS Media Enquiries:

Shaista Khan,
Communications & Resource Development Officer
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.cfs.asn.au
Phone: 9727 4333 ext 122


SOURCE: Community first step