On Friday 3rd December, the Platform Project attended the Swindon Christmas market in the Central Library. More importantly, a few of the Interns held a stall and sold custom made products that they’ve been making weeks prior. The event to the Interns was briefed as a social impact project where they had to decide what charity to fundraise for. It was ultimately chosen that the National Autistic Society was going to be the charity where 10% of profits would be donated.

All the products were being sold for between £2-£7 and for the five hours that the market was open, 19 items were sold with £72.49 being made overall. A variety of items were being sold which includes mugs with the Grinch printed on them, handmade crochet snowflakes for the Christmas tree and unrelated Christmas products. For example, one of the Interns created their own magazine with an accompanied mug with the magazine logo on it. With free chocolate! Four Interns and a couple of the staff helped with attending the stall and selling products while interacting with customers.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. Around 700,000 adults and children are autistic. 

The National Autistic Society is a UK based charity with their goal being campaigning for improved rights and services to help create a society that works for autistic people. On top of that, they provide support for autistic people and their families. Advice and guidance are also provided by them on the different aspects of autism. 

Even though the event passed, you can still donate to the charity and even create your own fundraising event for the charity to help improve lives for autistic people: