Allied World Saves The Day: $20,000 Donation
In an impressive gesture, one of Bermuda’s exempt companies has come to the aid of the Bermuda Autism Support & Education [BASE] less than 48 hours after a Government error in saying they would award the charity a $20,000 donation.
Allied World Assurance Company, a Bermuda-based global insurance and reinsurance provider, has generously provided the charity with a $20,000 grant.
In a statement today, Tracey Gibbons, chairperson of Allied World’s Charity Committee, said the company would give BASE $20,000 to support its mission to support families and professionals living and working with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and to raise awareness of the condition that globally affects up to 1 in 91 children.
Autism is a pervasive and complex brain disorder that affects tens of millions around the world and for which there is no cure.
Mrs Gibbons said:
Allied World was very moved by BASE’s unfortunate predicament and we are delighted to be able to help. The present economic climate is making it increasingly difficult for charities to raise funds, even those that perform such a critical and worthwhile social need as BASE.
Parents and families of autistic children face tremendous financial, physical and emotional stress and we wholeheartedly support BASE’s continued efforts to provide free treatment and help where it is needed most.
BASE President Jenny Purvey commented:
We cannot thank Allied World enough for this generous and unexpected gesture. Everyone at BASE was very disappointed and disheartened after learning of the Ministry’s unfortunate mistake two days ago but now we are reassured that our efforts are valued.
We continue to need funds on an ongoing basis – the lifetime cost of caring for an autistic child can be as high as $5 million – and we would urge the public to support our fund-raising efforts during April’s Autism Awareness Month.
BASE will be holding its annual Denim Day on April 23 and staging a free panel discussion, “Let’s Talk About Autism”, featuring overseas autism experts at Mount St Agnes Academy on April 30.
In addition the Bermuda National Gallery will be hosting a visit by artistic autistic savant, Stephen Wiltshire, MBE from May 17-23 and holding a gala fund-raising dinner with part proceeds going to BASE.
