Irish Autism Action pays tribute to Duffy

AN organisation that provides information and support for children and adults with autism, and their families, has praised its famous Northside patron who is stepping down.

Former Boyzone singer Keith Duffy announced last week he would be leaving his role with Irish Autism Action (IAA).

Duffy, a patron of IAA for more than 10 years, has raised a staggering

?¬8 million which has contributed significantly to the creation and development of services for children with autism and their families.

Duffy, whose daughter Mia has autism, said he was quitting his role to concentrate on his family and career.

Chief executive of Irish Autism Action, Kevin Whelan, said there was a considerable amount of advantages to having Keith on board with the organisation but that it was 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,

? said Mr Whelan.

“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.

?

Mr Whelan added:

“Keith has been key in creating the awareness through his extensive, very personal interviews relating to his family’s journey with autism.

?

Duffy’s role as Patron of Irish Autism Action has cemented corporate partnership down through the years with the likes of 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, while his 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.

Duffy’s public support for 12 early intervention schools in Ireland helped secure State recognition for the schools. He also launched a successful partnership between Early Childhood Ireland and IAA.

Despite stepping down, Duffy 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 March 6 which is set to raise significant funds for the IAA over the next three years.