Walking for the “little guys”: Bell Park resident commits to autism awareness

A BELL Park resident is stepping up to the plate for more than 200,000 Australians living with autism as part of his month-long challenge to raise funds in support of children and adults with Autism spectrum disorder.

Geelong local Francis Olsen officially began his Walk for Autism on March 1, and will walk 10,000 steps a day until March 25, while aiming to fundraise $500 for the organisation.

“I’m walking for my great nephew, Bentley, who has high-functioning autism,” Mr Olsen said.

“I’ve met many people with autism, and they are some of the sweetest and smartest people you can ever meet.

“For example, Bentley is a massive gamer, and he completes games at a ridiculous rate.

“If he’s passionate about something, he won’t stop chasing that passion until he’s satisfied. He constantly does things that astound me.”

Mr Olsen raised $500 last year for the March On initiative raising funds for war veterans, but this year he thought he would raise funds “for the little guys”.

The Walk for Autism, hosted by disability services provider Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), is a free virtual walking event with no set event of location, which means participants can walk anywhere, at their own pace, in their own time.

Aspect estimates one in every 70 people is on the autism spectrum. Along with their family members, this means autism is a part of daily life for more than one million Australians.

Before his walk’s start date, an unexpected donation blew Mr Olsen away, which helped him surpass his donation total before March 1.

“I honestly didn’t expect to raise as many funds as I have already,” Mr Olsen said.

“I was actually sitting down with Bentley the other day with about $230 raised, and out of nowhere we received a $500 donation from a corporate sponsor, Kicking Goals Disability And Mental Health Services.

“I was speechless, that and the support I’ve received from the community is simply heart-warming.

“Times are tough at the moment for a lot of people, but for some to reach into the wallets and open their heart to support this cause is overwhelming.”

To donate to Mr Olsen’s walk, head to walkforautism.org.au/fundraisers/francisolsen