Image Credit: Simon Bennett - Fairfield City Champion
Toyo Australia Limited has sponsored a key dealer and his family’s attempt at the 2015 Tough Bloke Challenge to raise funds for a local charity supporting children with autism and their families.
Bonnyrigg Tyre and Mechanical will raise money in the lead-up Tough Bloke Challenge event on June 27 for the Liverpool-based Autism Advisory and Support Service.
The tyre dealership will donate $2 to the charity for every Toyo tyre sold. Toyo Australia Limited will match the amount raised, dollar for dollar.
Regarded as one of the most demanding adventure runs found in Australia, Bonnyrigg Tyre and Mechanical owner Simon Grima and his family of five will attempt to conquer eight gruelling, obstacle and mud-filled kilometres of the Tough Bloke Challenge.
From its base in Liverpool, the Autism Advisory and Support Service supports children and adults with autism by providing a range of therapies and services to advocate, educate and guide affected families and the greater community.
Charity president Grace Fava, a customer of Bonnyrigg Tyre and Mechanical, said the funds raised would provide invaluable help to families in need.
"We help families locally, nationally and around the world," she said. "Through the generosity of this fundraiser we can help families in crisis and children at risk.
"We will put this money towards ensuring therapists are available in schools and at home, so kids can stay out of temporary care and be with their families.
"It will contribute to the launch of new work skills programs and help us run our 24/7 autism hotline - the only such service in the southern hemisphere - that goes a long way to reducing feelings of isolation."
Simon Grima said what started as a family challenge has quickly evolved into an opportunity to support a worthy cause.
"After taking on a few physical challenges over the years my family decided to tackle this one together. Toyo said it would come on board to help us raise money and we knew one of our customers ran the Autism Advisory and Support Service, so we joined the dots," he said.
"We are hoping to raise some money that will make a difference and draw some attention to their cause."
Toyo Australia marketing manager Jose Angeles said he was proud to see a key Toyo dealer taking a leadership position in the community.
"Tyre dealers offer a very local service and can truly contribute to their local communities. It is a pleasure to see Simon and his family raising funds in a positive, healthy way and it gives us great pride to see our dealers engaging with community organisations like the Autism Advisory and Support Service.
"By matching Simon’s efforts we hope to demonstrate our commitment to our dealers and the communities they serve," Mr Angeles said.
To find out more about the Autism Advisory and Support Service and to donate go to www.aass.org.au.
More information about the Tough Bloke Challenge can be found at www.toughblokechallenge.com.au.
Image Credit: Simon Bennett - Fairfield City Champion
