Gold Foundation

A great moment for the Autism community in South Australia!

Awareness is an underrated superpower! Love this moment from Man City's Jack Grealish where he takes time to acknowledge a blind girl on the podium when nobody else did, including UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin who tries to usher him past to keep the medal ceremony moving. Grealish's sister has cerebral palsy and his empathy and compassion always leads him to making time for kids with a disability and in this case made her feel special in what must have been a confusing time. A wonderful moment of inclusion she will never forget. A salute to Jack Grealish, a class act who provides a reminder that the true measure of a person is how they treat those who can do nothing for them. #Jack #BeKind #Respect Credit: UpsoMedia

Gold Foundation has a story to share from our Community Director Alex Zenios. One day, one of the teenagers about to graduate from our Youth Group, spoke to Alex and said “well where do I go now that I am turning 18….what do I do?“. This comments really stuck to Alex as autism doesn’t stop at 18 and is with you for life. Alex realised that something needed to be done here to help autistic teenagers transition into adulthood better and integrate into society. Gold Foundation therefore launched the Go For Gold Project, a project specifically designed for young autistic teenagers as they transition into adulthood! This project now comprises of the following employment and education initiatives: - Inclusive Hospitality Program https://lnkd.in/gKQds_5c - Uni Ready Program https://lnkd.in/guTNGgCs - Shine Like Gold Café https://lnkd.in/gsK2KjGQ If you would like to help sponsor these programs and help more kids find meaningful employment or education, please donate via the following link: https://lnkd.in/g-RD5BDK

The annual BankSA Foundation Fringe Dinner was held on Friday 15 March. BankSA staff, customers and supporters of BankSA Foundation came together at the spectacular Adelaide Zoo for a fantastical evening to help raise vital funds for BankSA Foundation who in turn supports the small, local charities in SA/NT focussed on creating brighter futures for children and young people experiencing disadvantage. The event raised more than $147,000 that will go directly towards BankSA Foundation’s grant programs. Pictured L-R are Nancie-Lee Robinson, BankSA Foundation; Connor Pangallo, Angie Pangallo OAM, and Alex Zenios from the Gold Foundation, and Sally-Anne O’Brien, St George Foundation CEO. https://lnkd.in/ghkCUEqg

Our first Autism Acceptance Week event was filled with laughter, hugs, tears, and inspiration! 💙💛 We would like to thank our wonderful speakers for taking the time to be with us, share their stories and answer all our questions about autism! Thank you to The Hon Emily Bourke MLC, the country’s first Assistant Minister for Autism, for all her great work; Angela Pangallo OAM, Chairperson and Founder of Gold Foundation for giving kids a chance to thrive and to our very own tennis superstar Andriana Petrakis, for her advocacy and for reminding us that there is indeed a spectrum of possibilities! Our gratitude to Connie Bonaros and Mayor of West Torrens, Michael Coxon for attending and showing their support. There’s work to be done, but today was a beautiful day to start working towards a more accepting and inclusive world.🌻

Come join us for a morning of coffee, conversation, and connection in celebration of World Autism Acceptance Week! Whether you're a parent, caregiver, individual with autism, or simply interested in learning more, all are welcome! Let's sip some coffee and chat about all things autism with our special guests: 🔹Andriana Petrakis | Tennis Player 🔹Hon Emily Bourke MLC | Assistant Minister for Autism 🔹Angela Pangallo OAM | Chairperson & Founder of Gold Foundation Bookings are essential: https://shorturl.at/hvDH6

Thanks to BankSA for allowing us to participate at this amazing event and share our story. The BankSA Foundation is a wonderful organisation supporting young people and creates opportunities for them to prosper and grow!

We would like to give a big thank you to the Liquor Industry Gold Club of SA for awarding Gold Foundation with a cheque for $2,300 to put towards a new generator for the Shine Like Gold Cafe. The LIGC holds an annual gold day every February to support Children’s Charities in South Australia. The event raises much needed funds for many charities. Thank you very much from the Gold Foundation community 🙏

These holidays, help us, help young autistic people! Gold Foundation would love your help to support young autistic people like Ned find meaningful employment for as little as $5 through this link: https://lnkd.in/g-RD5BDK. Ned was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 16 in addition to an intellectual disability diagnosis. Due to these challenges, Ned’s family were concerned that he may never achieve open employment. After Ned’s family approached Gold Foundation, we were able to help Ned gain valuable skills through our Barista Training Program, enabling Ned to gain paid employment through our Shine Like Gold Café at various community events. Ned’s mum said “I have been so grateful for the opportunities the Gold Foundation has provided for Ned. The Shine Like Gold Cafe has been amazing. I had always been uncertain if Ned would ever find open employment. Since Ned has had the barista training and been able to work at the Shine Like Gold Cafe, receiving an award wage, he has grown in confidence in leaps and bounds" With a little support young autistic people really do have the chance of a brighter future. Please visit this link to donate as little as $5. Every little bit is appreciated. https://lnkd.in/g-RD5BDK All donations are fully tax deductible. #Autism #Employment

What a weekend! Thanks to the 2023 Vailo Adelaide 500 for having our Shine Like Gold Cafe at this year’s event! We made over 1000 coffees, and sold hundreds of soft drinks, hot food and cakes. Thank you to the thousands of customers over the weekend for supporting us and helping us to grow and create more employment opportunities for young autistic people. See you next year! 🏁☕️🏆