Rainbow Day ahead for Laois Offaly Autism support group
The second annual Rainbow Day has been announced by a Laois Offaly Autism support group.
On April 8, Laois and Offaly children in pre-school, primary and secondary schools, and lots of adults in workplaces, will put on their bright colours and raise money to support LOFFA (Laois Offaly Families For Autism).
Last year the local parent run charity held their first Rainbow Day and it was a huge success, both in boosting awareness and understanding of Autism, and raising over €19,000 to support almost 100 families in both counties.
It was enough to subsidise a weekly session of occupational or speech or play therapy for each child in LOFFA for the rest of the year. At the time there were some 75 families with Autism supported by LOFFA but that has grown to over 90 now.
Orlaith Kerrigan from LOFFA has announced the second day up ahead, and they are inviting businesses to get in on the rainbow fun, by wearing colourful clothes to work on April 8 and donate €1.
"We are running our annual Rainbow Day in support of our families. We have made contact with all pre schools, national and secondary schools in the Laois and Offaly areas.
"Also any businesses that wish to participate, feel free.
"We are a voluntary parent led registered charity that offer support to 90 plus local families with subsidised therapies and family days out. We also provide information support. We receive no official funding and rely on our fantastic communities for support.
"If you can support us, we would be very grateful," she said.
LOFFA is ready and willing to support any family with a child with a diagnosis of ASD. Email [email protected] for information.