A Wrexham bowling alley is striking out to help a charity which supports children with autism.
As part of its rolling programme to boost good causes, Tenpin at the Eagles Meadow Shopping Centre helping local charity Your Space to raise funds.
The charity provides social opportunities, activities and clubs for 200 children and young people who are on the autistic spectrum.
Head of fundraising, Karen Williams, who herself has a daughter with autism, said: “Tenpin is good enough to arrange these special bowling sessions for a number of charities but this is the first time we’ve been involved.
“We’ve already booked in 15 families who access our services but anyone can come along and join us for the session, which starts at 6pm. It’s definitely a case of the more the merrier.
“We’re charging £10 for adults and £7 for children, which covers the cost of two games of bowls and as we’re only paying out half of this to Tenpin the rest goes into our funds.
“It should be a great night out and for the children who come along we’ll also be doing some face painting to make it a really fun affair.
“There’s no need for people to book and they can just turn up on the night.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to Tenpin for arranging this special event for us.”
Karen added: “My daughter Tegan, who is 10, is on the autistic spectrum but is high-functioning and attends Ysgol I.D Hooson in Rhos which is a mainstream primary school.
“I struggled to find her some sort of social activities outside of school and that’s when I found out about and starting using Your Space, which does so much to help children with autism and their parents.
“At first I became a volunteer in the charity’s headquarters at Gwersyllt Resource Centre and then 18 months ago I became a trustee and started to work for them as head of fundraising because I felt I wanted to give something back.
“Our activities give these children and young people the chance to make friends, have fun and enhance their social skills.
“We also provide support to their families and carers, helping them by providing some respite from their caring responsibilities or allowing them to assist in their child’s social development.”
Amongst the regular activities arranged by Your Space are a climbing wall on Thursdays at Plas Madoc Leisure Centre, expressive arts from 6-8pm on Mondays at Gwersyllt Resource Centre, football sessions from 5.15-6pm on Tuesdays at Plas Madoc, a parents’ and tots’ group from 9.30-11.30am on Fridays at Gwersyllt, and monthly Saturday sports sessions at Plas Madoc.
One of the managers at Tenpin, Eleni Morandi, said: “We offer charity bowling sessions every Monday and Wednesday, which give a range of charities the opportunity to make some money for their funds.
“We’re delighted to do this and the sessions are always successful and lots of fun.
“They also give charities to chance to raise their local profile, which is always a good thing.
“We hope as many people as possible come along to support Your Space on June 21 as it’s an excellent cause which deserves plenty of backing from Wrexham people.”
For more details about Your Space, call their office on 01978 756804, or see their website at: http://yourspacemarches.co.uk/
