The Junín Autismo Lions Club was selected to win a Kindness Matters Service Award for the 2024-2025 Lion Year for demonstrating how creativity and compassion can transform a community through their award-winning autism awareness project.
Starting from a shared vision among parents of autistic children, the club organized an inclusive race that united families, local government, businesses and Lion members from across the region. Their plan for 200-300 participants grew into a massive event with nearly 1,200 attendees, including runners, spectators and volunteers. This initiative not only raised awareness about autism but also showcased the power of collaboration and inclusion.
Project selection
The Junín Autismo Lions Club was founded to address a critical gap: the lack of inclusive spaces for autistic individuals and their families. Before forming the club, community meetings and activities were not accessible to children with autism, leaving families isolated. The club founders wanted to create a space where neurodivergent individuals could feel welcomed and celebrated. The race was designed to make autism visible, challenge societal barriers and promote understanding. It was also an opportunity to institutionalize autism awareness at a broader level—within schools, workplaces and public spaces—by showing that inclusion benefits everyone.
Community involvement
This collaboration showcased the strength of partnerships and the shared commitment to inclusion.
- Families and individuals: Parents, children (including autistic children) and friends joined the race or attended to cheer on the participants.
- Local government: The municipal mayor (who ran with his wife) and departments such as Sports, Culture, Youth and Events provided permits, infrastructure and promotional support.
- Lion community: The district governor, additional Lion leaders and many members from neighboring clubs contributed their support and supplies.
- Professionals and volunteers: A sensory regulation specialist staffed a dedicated tent for children needing support. Photographers, sound engineers and youth department crews assisted with logistics.
- Local businesses and artists: Over 20 companies donated prizes for raffles, while food trucks and local musicians, including autistic performers, added vibrancy to the event.
Project benefits
The impact was meaningful and far-reaching:
- For Participants: Autistic children were the stars of the day, running alongside peers without judgment. Two children experienced sensory challenges during the event and the community responded with empathy and support. The race offered a safe, joyful environment where everyone could participate at their own pace.
- For the Community: Awareness about autism spread citywide. People who had never considered autism before requested brochures and information. The event fostered empathy and broke down barriers, creating a more informed and inclusive society. Social media outreach, as well as media coverage in newspapers, television and radio amplified the message, reaching neighboring cities and beyond.
- For the Club: Organizing such a large-scale event strengthened club teamwork and elevated club visibility. The club became recognized as a leader in promoting inclusion, including by the Senate of Buenos Aires, which declared the race a Province Interest Event. Additionally, an agreement was secured with the municipality to host the race annually on April 2, aligning with World Autism Awareness Day. This ensures the club’s mission will continue to grow year after year.
Kindness matters
This project exemplifies Lions’ commitment to kindness and service. By addressing a real community need, fostering partnerships and creating an inclusive event, the Junín Autismo Lions Club demonstrated how service transforms lives. Their efforts remind us that inclusion is not just an ideal, it’s kindness in motion.
The Junín Autismo Lions Club was selected as one of only 30 winners of the Kindness Matters Service Award for service completed in Lion Year 2024-2025. We hope this award-winning activity inspires you. Be sure to nominate your club for the Kindness Matters Service Award next year!
Crystal Jurczynski is the service activities program manager for Lions International.
