Celebrate Women's Day while Making a Difference at Action in Autism's "Bridgerton Under South African Skies" A Women’s High Tea

This Women's Month, the community is invited to step into an afternoon of elegance, connection and purpose at Action in Autism's annual Women's Wellness Day Fundraiser, Bridgerton Under South African Skies High Tea, taking place on Saturday, 15 August 2026, from 14:00 to 16:30 at 105 Haig Road, Parkhill, Durban North.

Established in 2005, Action in Autism (AiA) is a registered non-profit organisation dedicated to advocating for the rights of autistic people. Through innovative educational programmes, skills development and family support services, the organisation works to promote acceptance, empowerment and inclusion for autistic individuals and their families.

The annual Women's Wellness Day is one of Action in Autism's signature fundraising events. More than just a high tea, it is a celebration of women and an opportunity to pause, reconnect and prioritise wellbeing. The event also raises vital funds that enable Action in Autism to continue providing essential programmes and support services throughout the year.

Carers and educators from Action in Autism get dressed up in their annual Women's Wellness Day Fundraiser, Bridgerton Under South African Skies High Tea, taking place on Saturday, 15 August 2026.

A special focus of this year's event is to provide complimentary tickets for single mothers of autistic children. These women often devote themselves tirelessly to caring for their families, with little opportunity to prioritise their own wellbeing. In recognising their strength and unwavering commitment, the event aims to offer them an afternoon of rest, appreciation and connection.

"Raised by a strong woman who became my rock, I honour her, and all autism mothers who rise through exhaustion, stand firm in meltdowns, face judgement with courage, and keep hope alive. This Women's Wellness Day, we celebrate resilience. You are our Rock!" says Bongiwe Nyoka, an autistic adolescent.

Through the generosity of sponsors and supporters, Action in Autism hopes to make this opportunity possible, giving these mothers a meaningful reminder that they, too, deserve care, recognition and support.

"We believe every woman deserves the opportunity to feel valued, celebrated and supported," says Action in Autism’s Director Diane Mariah-Singh. "By attending this event or partnering with us as a sponsor, the community is helping create meaningful experiences for women while ensuring autistic individuals and their families continue to receive the support they need."

The event is expected to welcome approximately 200 guests, including autistic individuals, family members, community leaders, business professionals, donors and supporters. Guests are encouraged to embrace the theme, Bridgerton Under South African Skies, with their own creative interpretation through their attire.

Tickets are now available. Businesses and individuals are invited to support the event through financial sponsorships, donations of products or services, or contributions towards the complimentary tickets for single mothers. Major sponsors will receive recognition through event promotions. All donations are eligible for a Section 18A tax deduction certificate.

Whether attending the High Tea, sponsoring a guest or partnering with Action in Autism, every contribution helps create a more inclusive community where autistic people and their families can thrive.

For ticket bookings, sponsorship opportunities or more information, please contact info@actioninautism.org.za

Event at a Glance

• Event: Bridgerton Under South African Skies High Tea

• Date: Saturday, 15 August 2026

• Time: 14:00 – 16:30

• Venue: 105 Haig Road, Parkhill, Durban North

• Dress Code: Your interpretation of Bridgerton Under South African Skies

• Tickets: info@actioninautism.org.za

• Sponsorship enquiries: aiadirector@actioninautism.org.za

Action in Autism Invites Businesses, Schools, and Individuals to Make Every Minute Count this Mandela Day

This Mandela Day (July 18) Action in Autism invites the community to turn compassion into action by helping create meaningful and lasting change in the lives of autistic children, young people and their families.

Action in Autism (AiA) is a registered non-profit organisation dedicated to advocating for the rights of autistic people. Through innovative educational programmes, training and support services, AiA promotes a culture of acceptance, inclusion, enrichment and empowerment for autistic individuals and their families. As a non-profit organisation, AiA relies on the generosity of individuals, businesses and community partners to help sustain and enhance these vital services.

The focus of this year's 67 Minutes Mandela Day Campaign is Adopt a Classroom. This initiative aims to transform the learning environments within AiA's Early Learning Intervention Centre (ELIC) and Shahumna Centre. Thanks to the generosity of donors over the years, AiA has created specialised classrooms that meet the unique learning needs of autistic children. However, after years of daily use, these spaces require refurbishment to ensure they remain safe, welcoming and conducive to learning.

The campaign will upgrade four ELIC classrooms, the Shahumna Centre (adult training centre) and dedicated calm rooms through painting, repairs, improved lighting, sensory-friendly enhancements and specialised visual supports. A key feature of the project is the enhancement of calm rooms and sensory spaces. These dedicated areas provide autistic learners with a safe, quiet environment where they can regulate their emotions and sensory experiences when feeling overwhelmed. Equipped with sensory tools, visual supports, soft lighting, textured materials, visual timers and noise-reducing resources, these spaces enable children to return to the classroom feeling calm, confident and ready to learn.

"Every child deserves a learning environment where they feel safe, understood and empowered to reach their full potential. By investing in our classrooms, we are investing in the future of autistic children," says Director of Action in Autism, Mariah-Singh.

The organisation is inviting community members, schools, businesses and corporate partners to contribute their 67 minutes by painting classrooms, assisting with maintenance, creating educational resources, assembling sensory materials or sharing professional skills. Donations of paint, classroom furniture, educational resources, stationery, sensory equipment, educational toys, storage solutions and décor are also welcomed.

In addition to the Adopt a Classroom campaign, Action in Autism is encouraging the public to support several other Mandela Day initiatives:

• 67 Stationery Packs: Equip a child for success by providing essential learning materials.

• 67 Sensory Packs: Sponsor sensory tools that promote regulation, communication, focus and participation.

• 67 Hygiene Packs: Help autistic children build confidence and independence through resources that support daily living skills.

• 67 Food Vouchers for Families: A grocery voucher of R250 can provide much-needed relief to families facing the financial demands of therapy, transport and caregiving.

• Volunteer 67 Minutes: Share your skills, expertise, services or time to support Action in Autism's programmes, facilities and learners.

“Mandela Day reminds us that lasting change begins with collective action. Whether through volunteering, donating resources or sponsoring a classroom, every contribution helps create opportunities for autistic children and their families to thrive,” says Diane Mariah-Singh.

To support Action in Autism's Mandela Day initiatives or learn more, contact Action in Autism on 031 563 3039, or email aiadirector@actioninautism.org.za / info@actioninautism.org.za.