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BJ’s Bingo Steps Up for Autism

BJ’s Bingo Steps Up for Autism

Running shoes

The team at BJ’s Bingo in Leigh got together during the third (and hopefully the final) lockdown to raise funds for Merseyside based charity, Autism Initiatives Group.

Jenny Brocklehurst, Deputy Manager, explains. “Over 700,000 people or 1 in 100 people in the UK are on the autism spectrum. This may result in difficulties or difference in communication, social interaction, thinking and sensitivity of the senses. With the help of organisations such as the Autism Initiatives Group, tailored support can help with some of the challenges that can be experienced by a person on the autism spectrum”.

The team at BJ’s Bingo stepped up to Walk for Autism. A fundraising challenge to clock 10,000 steps every day from 26 March to 2 April.  That’s 8 walking days, totalling 80,000 steps.

This is a virtual event meaning the team can do it at their own pace. Some are doing it in their kitchen, living room or as part of permitted daily exercise.

Motivation is a key part of the activity using the staff WhatsApp group.

Paul Manning, Team Member, says. “Having spent a considerable time at home during lockdown and activity levels at an all-time low, this is a fantastic opportunity to get active and raise funds for a worthy cause. We share screenshots of our daily step totals and offer encouragement to those who are lagging. It’s really bringing the team together, many of whom have not seen each other since October 2020.”

Within days of starting the challenge the target of £500 has already been smashed totalling £660.82.

Julie Herkes, Assistant Manager, tells us how. “We took to the clubs social media pages to ask our customers to support our efforts. As always, their generosity never ceases to surprise us, and we want to thank each one of them for their kind donations.”

You can donate by visiting the Autism Initiatives Group website.

Finally, thank you to all the team at BJ’s Bingo in Leigh who took part including Amy Hudson, Andrew Hudson, Jenny Brocklehurst, John Hudson, Julie Herkes, Paul Hudson, Paul Manning and Rhys Hayes.