FIVE Bendigo residents on the autism spectrum braved freezing temperatures to take part in a 24 hour walk event which aimed to raise understanding of the disorder at the weekend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The event, called autismwalk, is the brainchild of Bendigo's Daniel Giles, who began the event last year.
Other members of the community joined in to help the five core members of the walking team in their marathon exercise around Kangaroo Flat's Rotary Gateway Park.
Daniel's father Daryl Giles said the event helped people to understand more about the disorder.
"There's plenty of awareness out there but not so much understanding about autism," he said.
The walk also raised money for local charity Turn a Life Around, which puts 100 per cent of money raised into buying Apple devices such as iPads and iPhones for people with autism.
Mr Giles said the devices helped those with the disorder to overcome difficulties with communication.
The first event last year raised $10,000 for the organisation.
Participants dressed as birds for the first hour of the walk from 10am on Saturday and then donned their best onesies and other animal costumes from 6pm.
From 11.30pm, people helped spur the walkers on for an hour by lighting their way with glow sticks and came back again at 6am to help the walkers through the coldest part of the walk just before sunrise.
Mr Giles said the event had received fantastic support from local businesses.
If you wish to make a donation of money or an old Apple device, get in touch with organisers at www.facebook.com/AutismWalkBendigo
