Nedbank boosts autism awareness – The Namibian
THE AAN (Autism Association of Namibia) received N$300 000 from the 2022 Nedbank for Autism Series. This series concluded on Friday following a 10-round golf tournament across Namibia.
The series was created to raise awareness for the autism organization and raised N$296 000 through pledges and donations. Guests donated an additional N$24 000 at the official prize-giving ceremony at the Nedbank Campus, Windhoek.
The Nedbank for Autism Series, which was launched in 2019, has raised more N$6566,000 for AAN.
“We are incredibly grateful to be selected by Nedbank and DZ Golf with the support of all the sponsors and golfers, who donated prizes and made this three-year project such an immense success,” said Petra Dillmann, the Autism Association of Namibia director. “The series has given the Autism Association of Namibia the opportunity to reach out to the whole country.
“This was a bonus, as it enabled us to meet the communities and find out what is needed on the ground.”
Dillmann stated the association will continue to make resources from recyclables in various communities in 2023.
The series began at Omeya Golf Club in Windhoek in February. It made nine stops at Gobabis Golf Club, Oranjemund and Tsumeb.
This year, there were 559 participants in the series. Kiewiet Dreyer, Mariental, won the final after beating nine other qualifiers.
Biniam Ghirmatsion from Nedbank Namibia stated that the bank’s executive for private wealth, bancassurance and banking, has dedicated the past three years to sponsoring the Autism Series as part of solving society’s challenges.
“The Nedbank Autism Golf Series created a platform to enhance awareness of the needs of people living with autism across the country,” he said.
“As part of the programme over the years, one- and two-day courses have been offered countrywide to create understanding and acceptance through teaching, training, and networking, to improve knowledge within the greater society, and to foster participation on all levels,” the senior official continued.
“Petra Dillmann, the director at the Autism Association of Namibia, shared that in some instances the participants travelled 250km or more to join the courses,” Ghirmatsion said.
“Events such as the Nedbank for Autism Golf Series have a significant and long-lasting impact on families in our communities.
“There has been excellent brand equity built up since the inaugural events, and we wish to see the series continue strengthening both its impact in our communities and influence in the future,” said Ghirmatsion.
Co-sponsors for the 2022 Nedbank for Autism Series included M+Z Motors, AfricaOnline, ComputerKit Namibia, Engen Namibia, Imperial, Gondwana Collection Namibia, Safintra Roofing, Taeuber & Corssen, Pupkewitz Megabuild, Zebra Trailers, and Future Media.
Source: namibian