[HeartOfTheOcean1912]

Welcome to the first Golden Hat Foundation thread.

The mission of the Golden Hat Foundation is the establishment of innovative living communities that offer people with autism the opportunity to learn to communicate effectively, receive an education, job training and enjoy recreational activities, all within a supportive social network.

The Golden Hat Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by Kate Winslet, dedicated to eliminating barriers for people with autism around the world, and creating an environment that holds these individuals as intellectually capable. The mission of the Golden Hat Foundation is the establishment of innovative living communities that offer people with autism the opportunity to learn to communicate effectively, receive an education, job training and enjoy recreational activities, all within a supportive social network. When given a suitable education and the means to communicate effectively, people with autism can truly realize their dreams.

Virgin Unite - The Golden Hat Foundation

The story:

The Foundation is the inspiration of one mother’s efforts to help another. When Kate Winslet narrated A Mother’s Courage: Talking Back to Autism, a documentary about a young Icelandic boy named Keli living with autism, the Oscar-winning actress and mother of two became inspired to make a difference. After meeting Keli’s mother Margret, Kate was deeply touched by Margret’s far-reaching journey to find a way for her nonverbal son to learn to communicate. And with that, the idea for the Golden Hat Foundation was born. The Foundation’s name comes from one of the first poems Keli wrote (using his letterboard), entitled “The Golden Hat”.

Kate describes her motivation to get involved:

“After watching A Mother’s Courage: Talking Back to Autism with my daughter, she turned to me and asked, “What if I wasn’t able to talk to you mummy?” As I thought about what that meant, for a mother not to be able to talk with her own child, I realized that I had to lend my voice to raise awareness of this rapidly increasing disorder. As a mother of two, I thought, how could I not help tell this story of a mother’s journey to discover her son; a film full of courage and a determination to try to change the world for children with autism. I am incredibly proud to be involved on this journey to help give people with autism a voice. Together, with your support, we can reduce the impact of this debilitating disorder."

Golden Hat Foundation: Celebrity Supporters

Official Website:

Golden Hat Foundation

Twitter:

KateWinsletGHF

[Street Spirit]

Thanks for the brand new thread, Laurelle. I'm reading the OP right now.

[HeartOfTheOcean1912]

You're welcome It was high time I made that thread.

[Titanicfan94]

Yeah, thanks for making this thread! It's great that Kate created this organisation

[HeartOfTheOcean1912]

Indeed It's great to know that she is using her fame in order to help those with autism. By the way, you should follow The Golden Hat foundation on twitter I have already done that

[Titanicfan94]

Yeah, she has such a good heart I think I will, you know! I follow their Facebook, about time I follow their twitter too!

[HeartOfTheOcean1912]

A lot of celebrities seem to have gotten involved in the project, I hope it turns out doing well

[Titanicfan94]

Yeah, I think it will do ok!

[HeartOfTheOcean1912]

Ι know the lipstick that Lancome promoted, that was also supposed to bring some money in the organization, had done well. I hope the book did so, too

[Titanicfan94]

I hope so too! I'm sure it's an interesting read! Glad the Lipstick did well

[Street Spirit]

Is this the twitter site? I'll go save it on my favorites since I actually don't have a twitter to follow them.

[HeartOfTheOcean1912]

I'll have to add it to the OP

ETA: Just thought to post this picture over (from their facebook account):



(click on it to see in a larger size)

[Titanicfan94]

I saw that! It's great to know so many other stars are behind GHF.

[HeartOfTheOcean1912]

Indeed Kate did a great job with the book

[HeartOfTheOcean1912]

Here's the entire message Kate wrote for TGHF. (taken from the official website)

It makes me incredibly proud to work on this effort to bring awareness to the plight of people with autism. I believe that all people with autism should be given the opportunity to learn to communicate, receive a suitable academic education and experience social relationships. After watching A Mother’s Courage: Talking Back to Autism with my daughter, she turned to me and asked, “What if I wasn’t able to tell you I love you, mummy?” As I thought about what that meant, for a mother not to be able to talk with her own child, I realized that I had to lend my voice to raise awareness of this rapidly increasing disorder. As a mother of two, I thought, how could I not help tell this story of another mother’s journey to discover her son; a journey of courage and determination to try to change the world for children with autism. Individuals with autism can truly live a meaningful life. Please explore our website and learn more about the many ways you can help!