Eileen Dunne to host autism ball in New Ross

A BLACK TIE gala ball for Wexford autism group, Cottage Autism Network Ltd. (CAN) is being held in the Brandon House Hotel in New Ross on Saturday night, April 1, which will be addressed by RTE newsreader Eileen Dunne.

The event is organised on the eve of World Autism Awareness Day and Ms Dunne will host the occasion.

This promises to be a great night out and there will be an opportunity to find out about CAN and how this charity supports families impacted by autism. CAN patron Matthew O’Hanlon will be in attendance and there will be lots of spot prizes available. Tickets cost €60 per person and can be purchased from Killeens Service Station in Wexford or M&V Stores, Irishtown, New Ross. Alternatively contact Pauline in CAN on 087 7655278.

CAN Ltd. was established in 2005 by parents of children with autism and has evolved into an organisation that provides a range of supports to families in Wexford primarily in Wexford and New Ross.

These activities include social and recreational activities for children diagnosed with autism and their siblings including soccer, yoga, judo assist and karate on a weekly basis. Mag Furness of CAN said: ‘We subsidise a monthly sensory screening in Wexford Omniplex for our members. We provide parental support through organising training and information sessions as well as phone support and fortnightly coffee mornings. In the wider community, our aim is to promote awareness, inclusion, acceptance and understanding around autism.’

Currently there are in excess of 90 member families and all activities are made possible by parent contributions, fundraising and donations. Since CAN began, the wider community in Wexford has supported this charity and this continued support is needed to sustain their work. See www.cottageautismnetwork.com or the group’s Facebook page Cottage Autism Network for more information.

The group can be contacted at 087 1035355.