World Autism Month – Nedbank Namibia sponsors N$50 000 for Els4Autism Golf Day

WINDHOEK, APRIL 2 – The twelfth World Autism Day is taking place on 2 April 2019 and the entire month of April is celebrated as Autism Month globally.
In support of creating awareness, Nedbank Namibia sponsored the 3rd Els4Autism Golf Day, which took place at the Omeya Golf Course on 15 March 2019. A total of N$50 000-00 went towards the hosting of the event. During the previous two years, of which Nedbank was the title sponsor, a total of N$200 000-00 was raised at the Golf Day. This year a donation was made towards a Namibian family with a child with autism.

           JG van Graan, Chief Financial Officer at Nedbank Namibia

“As Nedbank we aspire to be money experts that do good and it therefore explains Nedbank’s support for the event,” said . Approximately 30 teams participated and the event culminated in a prize-giving ceremony which took place at Am Weinberg, Windhoek.

“The Els4Autism Golf Day will always have a special place in my heart personally. Two years ago I was standing on the driving range warming up and highly excited about this groundbreaking event, when I got a call from my wife informing me she is going into labour. An hour and half later I was holding my new born son in my arms in the Mediclinic in Windhoek. And this is what this day is about…assisting and helping children and families…and that is our main driving force as parents and guardians, to want the best for our children,” Van Graan added.

Els for Autism Foundation was established in 2009 by Liezl and Ernie Els. The Els’ son, Ben, is impacted by the disorder which affects 1 in 59 children in the U.S. The world-class pro-golfer and his wife have devoted their efforts to a game-changing, philanthropic project – The Els Center of Excellence.

The Els Center of Excellence is a world-class facility hosting leading-edge programmes and services that are accessible to families and caregivers around the world. Based in Jupiter, Florida, the 26-acre campus provides on-site education for 300 students, ages 3 through 21. With all the essential components on one campus, the facility is the perfect hub for a variety of global outreach activities. This ensures The Els Center of Excellence campus’ positive influence is felt far beyond the boundaries of its walls. Once the campus is completed, the impact will be magnified.

Autism-friendly events and educational activities take place all month to increase understanding and acceptance and foster worldwide support.
Joined by the international community, hundreds of thousands of landmarks, buildings, homes and communities around the world, wear light blue in recognition of people living with autism. – NDN Staffer