Rotary cycle funds new autism centre at Open Air
A year after her epic charity cycle, Rotary Connection Ride a former Open Air School intern psychologist, Paula Robarts sees the fruits of her ride.
OPEN Air School recently opened a new autism unit with the assistance of a generous donation from the Rotary Club of Empangeni.
The R20 000 donation came as a direct result of the school’s former intern psychologist, Paula Robarts. Robarts, a cyclist, rode the Rotary Connection Ride 2013, a fundraising initiative and cycle ride of the Rotary Club of Empangeni where Rotarians and cyclists ride from Kosi Bay to Cape Town, a distance of about 1700 kms, to raise funds for the school that had become close to her heart.
“I am thrilled that the money is being used for the autistic unit at a school that is so well deserving. The ride was a very exciting adventure and I’m glad we are finally seeing the fruits of my cycle in the unit,” Robarts said.
Janet O Brien, the teacher in charge of the autistic unit said the donation was a “real blessing” as it made the autism unit a reality. “We created a playground and purchased a jungle gym, sea-saw, a trampoline, chairs and balls for the children. This is a high care unit for autistic children between the ages of 4 and 8 years old.”
Deputy principal Segren Naidoo thanked Paula Robarts and the Rotary of Empangeni for the generous donation and added he was proud of the school for opening the unit.
