Autism Research Foundation
Although the rate of Autism is increasing at an alarming rate, very little headway has been made into what causes this extremely debilitating disorder, and therefore what the potential prevention and treatment options should be. In addition, appropriate educational facilities and support for children with this disability remains desperately under-funded even though early intervention has been shown to make a dramatic impact on both the children and their families lives. It isthe artist's mission to contribute to a cure for autism by utilising part of the proceeds that come from the sale of each Soul of Sydney to set up an Autism Research Foundation to support the best researchers in this country in solving this frustrating mystery.

We will keep updating you on the Foundation as it progresses. If you are interested in assisting us in this project, or would like further information on Autism support groups or educational support, please email Us.

Kiva Loans - Microcredit
In addition to supporting families living with Autism, Paul and partner identified another cause they strongly believe in - creative entrepreneurship and self-help. They recognised the application of this principle in Kiva loans (Kiva.org). In Swahili, KIVA means agreement or unity. The international Kiva organisation embodies this spirit of unity and trust in humanity by facilitating almost-no-interest loans starting at $25 from willing individuals to low-income entrepreneurs in the developing world, also known as microcredit. By doing so, Kiva helps provide affordable working capital for the poor, empowering them to earn their way out of poverty.

The goal is to grow and maintain a core amount in seed capital for on-going micro loans.

Thorndale Foundation While enquiring into the best options for assembly and packaging of the Soul of Sydney, Paul researched special needs communities engaged in protected but meaningful employment. He decided on the Thorndale Foundation. Thorndale is a not-for-profit charity that provides accommodation, community participation and employment for people in Sydney with intellectual disabilities, and other disadvantages. Paul did this to personally prove the point that disabled employment does not need to sit at the margins of self respect within society. Here's a joyful shot of the Thorndale production team...   Your Chosen Charities: Global icons has chosen a number of charities and community organizations to support through its "Changing Lives" programme. Here is your opportunity to add other possibilities for consideration to that list. You might choose an existing charity, an environmental group, an original idea of your own for a group. Please enter the name of the organization you suggest, along with your email address and a few words about why you think your organization should be considered. Don't forget to include the organization's contact information. Submit Your Chosen Charities *Compulsory Fields Firstname* Lastname* Email* Suburb* Country* Enter the details of your charity or other organization here, and why you think it is worthy of support.

The Thorndale Foundation