Boyzone star, Keith Duffy today announced that he is stepping down as patron of Irish Autism Action to concentrate on his family and career. Keith has been actively fundraising and building awareness of children with autism for over ten years and in that time he has helped Irish Autism Action raise over €8,000,000 which contributed significantly to the creation and development of services for children with autism and their families.
Keith’s role as Patron of Irish Autism Action has cemented corporate partnership down through the years such as O2, Mace, DHL and Dublin Airport Authority. His own personal fundraising initiatives such as KD golf day and KD Masquerade Ball have generated hundreds of thousands for Irish Autism Action. Keith’s endorsement of IAA’s phones for iPads campaign has secured 3,000 iPads for children with autism involving recycling of nearly half a million phones. His public support for 12 early intervention schools in Ireland helped secure state recognition for the schools. Finally, Keith has launched a partnership between Early Childhood Ireland and IAA which over a 3 year period will help create autism friendly pre-school settings.
CEO of Irish Autism Action Kevin Whelan commented on the announcement saying; “There has been a considerable amount of advantages to having Keith on board with Irish Autism Action but it is impossible to sum up the extent of his work in such little words. On behalf of Irish Autism Action, I would like to thank Keith from the very bottom of all our hearts and wish him the very best in the future, without his stellar campaigning for IAA, we would not be in the place we are today”.
“Our belief is that awareness drives understanding which in turn drives action. Keith has been key in creating the awareness through his extensive, very personal interviews relating to his family’s journey with autism”.
Keith has worked with Irish Autism Action by raising much needed funds through various charity soccer matches, the Keith Duffy Ball, Ironman 70.3, Keith Duffy 5k in Phoenix Park, Tour De Force Cycle, Connemarathon, Keith Duffy Masquerade Ball, Blue Nose Day and other successful fundraising events.
Despite stepping down, Keith has promised he will see through a number of events that he has set up for Irish Autism Action for 2015, including National Pyjama Day on 6th March which is set to raise significant funds for IAA over the next three years.
SOURCE: officialkeithduffy.com