Happy New Year!

Best wishes to everyone for a happy new year in 2011. Thanks so much to everyone who helped to raise funds for the projects we support for children and families in southern Africa.

Our total has slightly exceeded the amount raised last year. Our partner groups in Malawi, Zambia and South Africa will be pleased that their work can continue at the same pace.

Here is some news we have received from angel-makers recently.

1. Groups in Roberts Creek BC and Parksville/Qualicum have continued their impressive and successful efforts with high-quality angels.

2. Gondwana Gallery in Salmon Arm BC has sold out of its stock and requested more, which is made in Victoria at Cordova Bay United Church.

3. A minister in Victoria was given a Christmas card with $20 from a parishioner. Since he can't accept money, he donated the money to African AIDS Angels. The parishioner will receive an angel in return.

4. In Nova Scotia, Timberlea United Baptist Church has taken up angel-making and raised a significant amount of money. Angels in a rural store and other efforts in Halifax produce regular and welcome contributions to our total.

5. In Powell River BC, new volunteers emerged in November to produce lots of angels and have the best year yet.

6. On Saltspring Island, Seeds for Malawi had a very successful season producing and marketing craft items.

7. In Victoria, the annual Open House in November and kiosk at Hillside Mall saw lots of angels and quite a bit of money change hands. Angels in shops did well just before Christmas.

8. A group of 4 angel-makers in Vancouver did a 2-day workshop with 400 students at an elementary school. Their combined efforts raised almost $2000. The group of mainly retired teachers did a similar workshop at another school last year.

Thanks to each and every person who contributed to all these (and many other) efforts in so many ways. It's truly impressive that so many people are willing to help the cause of African AIDS Angels. Have a peaceful new year.

Where to Obtain Angels

Angels are available on a small rack at these generous shops. Thanks for your support.

Give a Gift of Hope Card

A Gift of Hope Card from African AIDS Angels is a handy acknowledgment that spreads good cheer in the holiday season.

Not sure what to buy for someone? Donate a minimum of $15 to African AIDS Angels and we will provide you with a gift card or mail it on your behalf. Your friend, relative or colleague then knows that you have donated to a good cause in his or her honour.

You can obtain a gift card by cheque or credit card.

By Cheque: Write a cheque for $15 or more to African AIDS Angels and mail it
c/o 1855 Neil Street
Victoria BC V8R 3C6.
Specify your mailing address or the address of the recipient.

By Credit card: Go to the Donations page of our website and use the secure service PayPal. The first page is your credit card information. On the second page, select the line which says "+ Add Special Instructions to Seller". In this box, add that you want a Gift Card, and provide the mailing address. You can put several recipients in the same box, provided you donate at least $15 per gift card.

The amount of $15 provides school supplies for 2 orphans for a year, or more than a week's supply of food. Everybody wins with this thoughtful gift!

Angel Supplies in Victoria

If you pick up angel-making supplies from the Parsons in Victoria, please note that they will not be available on these dates:

December 13 - 18
December 31 - January 16.

Please plan ahead if you expect to need supplies or to drop off angels in these time periods.

Seeds for Malawi - October 2010

Check out the latest newsletter from Seeds for Malawi on Saltspring Island.

Click on the image to enlarge it.

African AIDS Angels (Victoria, B.C) Joins Facebook

African AIDS Angels (Victoria, B.C) has an Official Page on Facebook. This social networking site of over 500 million active users will be a great advantage to African AIDS Angels in getting information about our organization out to more people. Our Official Page can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/African-AIDS-Angels-Victoria-BC/118775558181664?v=wall and will contain information, photos, links and updates specific to the Victoria, B.C group.

If you are a Facebook user, please visit our Official Page and "like" our page in order to stay in touch and receive updates from us via Facebook.

Facebook is like a snowball effect, and if you "like" our Page, your Facebook Friends will notice our Page, and so will their Friends, and so on....Let's get the word out there and spread the news about African AIDS Angels. Please help us by visiting our Page and clicking the "like" button.

Also, please visit our Open House Event Page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=143393875707596 to view photos, info, RSVP to the Open House and invite your friends.

Angel Craft Fairs

Saturday, November 13, 10 am-3pm
Angels Open House Swan Lake Nature House.
off McKenzie, via Rainbow or Nelthorpe


Sat & Sun, November 20-21, 10am – 5pm

Saanich Commonwealth Place, 4636 Elk Lake Dr, Victoria

Angels available at Gail Blais' craft table. $3 admission to big fair.

Friday Nov. 26-Sunday Nov.28 -Hillside Mall, kiosk near Centre Court, Fri. & Sat. 9:30am-9pm, Sun. 11-5. *



Sat. Nov. 27 - VIDEA Fair Trade Fair, First Metropolitan Church, 932 Balmoral, 10-4 pm. *


Saturday, December 4, James Bay Community School Centre at 140 Oswego St.
Dickens Fair
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM



*volunteers still needed. Contact africanaidsangels@gmail.com to volunteer.

Angel Making in November

Have you been thinking of making angels but haven't taken that first step?
Now is the time. We need everyone's angels to fill the demand from now until Christmas.

All materials and instruction provided.

Click on Calendar for maps and details.


Thu., Nov. 11, 7pm – 9pm

4049 Gordon Head Rd., Victoria

Holy Cross Church Hall (behind church).

Sat., Nov. 13 10 am- noon
St. Aidan's United Church, St. Aidan's St. off Cedar Hill Crossroad.

Mon., November 15, 1pm – 3pm

547 Michigan, James Bay, Victoria B.C.

Wed., November 17, 1pm – 3pm

Cordova Bay United Church

813 Claremont Ave. Enter via double doors going into the Church.

Angels Shopping Bag


Shop with the Angels at your side.

Fair traded, durable cotton

13 1/2 " X 15"

$8.00 for AAA volunteers.

Available at our craft fairs in November and December.

Open House Sat. November 13

Join us in Victoria for the annual
Angels Open House Saturday November 13, 10 am-3pm Swan Lake Nature House.

Hundreds of angels will be available for donations, plus cards, magnets, canvas tote bags, napkin rings. Refreshments provided.

Minimum donation per angel at this event is $10.

For a printable version of the poster or to volunteer, send us an email. If you have a Facebook account, please visit the Open House page and share the notice with your friends.

Swan Lake Nature House is accessible from Mackenzie Avenue (near Blanshard), and then Rainbow or Nelthorpe Streets.

African AIDS Angels 10th Anniversary Celebration

On Saturday, September 11, 2010, The African AIDS Angels Society celebrated 10 years of successfully supporting families in Africa affected by HIV/AIDS through projects in Malawi, Zambia and South Africa. The celebration took place in the James Bay New Horizons Community Center. Wonderful and lively African music was performed by the Mufaro Marimba Band, Angels and other products were on display and tea, coffee and other refreshments were served. Board members introduced themselves (pictured above left) to the supporters in attendance and information about the projects in Africa was presented. Congratulations to African AIDS Angels on 10 successful years.

Videa Fair Trade poster

click on the title above for poster, to print, share, e-mail. AAA will be there selling angels. Still seeking two people to help sell angels! Contact Pierre or Lee Ann.

November 27

Opportunities to Help

Fall is the busy season for getting Angels into the community. All of these events are very important to our fund-raising. You can volunteer to help at:

Angels Open House
On Saturday November 13 African AIDS Angels presents the annual Open House at the Swan Lake Nature House from 10 am to 3 pm. Volunteers are needed for 2-hour shifts to help with wrapping purchases or greeting/directing people at the door. If you can help, please send an email to africanaidsangels@gmail.com.
We are also looking for someone to coordinate/schedule volunteers for this event. It is not a difficult job as people are willing and eager to participate. Volunteer or ask us for more information.

Craft Fairs and Tables
Help is needed for the following events:

Friday Nov. 26-Sunday Nov.28 -Hillside Mall, kiosk near Centre Court, Fri. & Sat. 9:30am-9pm, Sun. 11-5.

Sat. Nov. 27 - VIDEA Fair Trade Fair, First Metropolitan Church, 932 Balmoral, 10-4 pm.


If you can help, please send an email to africanaidsangels@gmail.com. Shifts are likely 2 hours long. The coordinator of the event will contact you about times.

Volunteers needed for Angel sales

FAIR TRADE FAIR

Nov 27, 2010 10:00am - 4:00pm

Location: First Metropolitan United Church, 932 Balmoral Rd, Victoria

We need 3-4 people to assist with two hour shifts, either noon to 2 p.m, or 2-4 p.m

Contact Pierre or Lee Ann to volunteer!

Nova Scotia News

Truro Daily News

A group of people gathered Saturday in the basement of the Truro library to create some colorful little angels to help improve lives in sub-Saharan Africa.

The volunteers were working for the African Aids Angels project, which makes ornamental angels to raise funds for people affected by HIV/AIDS. " I started a group in Nova Scotia over a year ago," said Judy Staritt. " We've raised $5000 so far."

Starritt, who is a retired high school teacher, is pleased to see young people taking part in the project, but also got her 86 year old mother involved in angel making.

13 year old Alicia Cooke, of Bass River, heard about the angels from Starritt, who has a cottage near her home. "I love doing crafts so I really enjoy doing this, " she said.

Brenda Peters, the library's teen program coordinator, said they hope to promote volunteerism in teens, and those who take part in such activities at the library receive certificates at the end of the year. "It real community out reach, " she said "Hopefully, it catches them as volunteers for the future."

Truro Daily News Monday, September 27, 2010

News from Malawi

September is the beginning of the growing season in Malawi. AAA Victoria sends funds to our AAA Malawi group at this time of the year so they can begin preparations for delivering seeds and fertilizer to those in need.

We have had two phone conversations with Delirah Phiri in September to talk about the project.

In 2009/2010 95 families were supported with seeds and fertilizer. The rains were good and the harvest provided enough food to carry a family of 6 through the year.

Food support continues for 21 HIV positive individuals. Delirah reports, "The beneficiaries under nutritional support are all alive and well. Some are even getting stronger, their immunity improving, and weight increasing. This is possible because of ARV's and the nutritional support they are being given."

Student support: 31 students (many orphanned by AIDS ) were supported. 11 of them wrote final exams.

Delirah said, " Expenses are covered for two Extension Workers who help us in teaching the farmers how to apply modern technology in order to improve their harvest. They also work hand in hand with communities so it is easier for us to know more about the beneficiaries."

The plan for 2010/2011 is to help 80 farm families, the ongoing 21 HIV positive persons and 30 students.

Delirah, Gilda, Teddy and Vincent consider the current costs of fertilizer and seeds when making decisions on how to use AAA Victoria funding. These four work as volunteers. AAA covers their transport and office costs but they donate all their own time working around job and familycommitments.

For 2010/2011 AAA has forwarded $13,000 to Malawi. These funds will benefit 540 individuals (based on 6 per farm family) at the average cost of of $20 per person.

Makeni Ecumenical CENTRE 2010 BUDGET NOTES

Please click on the title above to open the document

MAKENI ECUMENICAL CENTRE AGRICULTURAL SETTLEMENT PROJECT WORKPLAN 2010

Click on the title above  to open the document.

Sandra Howe's power point presentation, Makeni, 10th anniversary

click on the title above to open power point show

What a great job Sandra did presenting this. If you missed it, here's your chance to see it all.

Makeni REPORT on the 2009/2010 May to June AFRICAN AIDS ANGEL - EXTENSION SUPPORT PROJECT (AAA-ESP) for Chisamba & Mwomboshi Settlement Villages.

Click on the title above to link to document sent from Makeni

Pierre

Evening Angel Making

Angels in the Evening

For those who can't attend a daytime angel making session here is the perfect opportunity to meet and be inspired by other AAA volunteers.

Angel Making at Holy Cross Parish Hall

Oct. Thurs., October 14, 7pm – 9pm
4049 Gordon Head Rd., Victoria

Nov. Thurs., November 11, 7pm – 9pm



Click on the calendar dates (green box) for a map and further details.

Seeds for Malawi - September 2010

Check the latest newsletter from Seeds for Malawi, the partner group to African AIDS Angels based on Saltspring Island.

Click on the image to enlarge it. Then enlarge it more for reading by pressing Alt and +. (On a Mac, Command and +).

Angels turn 10

10th Anniversary

Calling All Angels
Join us for Music, Food, Inspiration and Sharing

2010 is the 10th anniversary of African Aids Angels.
African Aids Angels Victoria will be hosting a celebration at

James Bay New Horizons
234 Menzies St., Victoria BC

Saturday September 11, 2010
11 a.m until 2 p.m.

We have heard from many out of town volunteers and from shops that support African Aids angels. Have you made your plans yet? Let us know.

• Inspiration: Share your inspiring angel designs. Bring your most creative angels or other fundraising ideas for the display area.
• Sharing: We will be collecting your volunteer profiles and photos to send to those we support in Malawi, Zambia and South Africa.
• Food: A light lunch will be served.
• Music: Lively music provided by Mufaro Marimba

Lunch: Pot luck fingerfood and appetizers provided by our Victoria volunteers.
Anniversary cake to enjoy. Tea and coffee.

Go to our blog Calendar at the bottom of this page and click on Sept. 11 to find a map.

RSVP to africanaidsangels@gmail.com by August 31st.

Message from Zambia

This message was received following the second 2010 installment of funds for St. Nicholas Orphanage at Makeni Ecumenical Centre near Lusaka, Zambia.

"I can now confirm that we have received the money you transferred. Thank you very much for the assistance. It will go a long way in alleviating our financial difficulties. Extend our deep appreciations to all AAA members for all their efforts and commitment to the children at St. Nicholas.
With kind regards"

AAA Victoria Board

Welcome to the 2010-2011 AAA Board

We would like to thank Cathy Fletcher who completed her term as Board member and will remain involved with AAA as a volunteer.

We welcome new member Robin Adams who has extensive experience working with Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Center.

We thank our ongoing members for their faithful service:

• Gail Blais: craft venues and publicity.
• Pierre Dil: Zambia contact
• Vic Parsons: secretary and supplies organizer (assisted by Lorraine)
• Erin Ruff: shops coordinator
• Carol Sherwood: Treasurer, website, graphic design
• Mary Bomford: Coordinator

Please contact your Board with questions, concerns, comments by sending a message to africanaidsangels@gmail.com

Seeds for Malawi

Peggy Frank shares her Malawi experience

Peggy Frank of Positively Africa visited the Aids Angels project in Mzuzu at the end of 2009.
She shared her experiences with photos and stories at our AGM then on June 30 she travelled to Saltspring to meet with our sister group, Seeds for Malawi.

An enthusiastic group of over 20 volunteers met to hear Peggy's presentation. A lively and frank discussion followed covering many issues relating to HIV AIDS and the viability of the community to community projects that are carried out by AAA Victoria and Positively Africa.

Peggy was impressed by the dedication and honesty of AAA Mzuzu. She feels that both Delirah and Gilda (supported by Teddy and Vincent) contribute a great deal of moral support to the women beneficiaries. She also feels that community to community projects are one of the most effective ways of creating change and delivering support to those affected by AIDS.

Voices for Malawi

Listen to Malawi

Peter Kepkay, a supporter of AAA and Seeds for Malawi has created a short video documenting some of his experience in Malawi.

visit www. VoicesForMalawi.com to share his thoughts and some beautiful singing.

Peter hopes to return to Malawi and film the work of the Mzuzu group which we support.

10th Anniversary Volunteer Appreciation

AAA Victoria will be celebrating their volunteers with a gathering on Saturday Sept. 11, 2010.

AAA volunteers in Victoria will be hosting this exciting event. An organizing group is already at work. We will be looking for donations of finger food to create a light lunch for all our guests.

Check out the invitation below. Watch for calls for volunteers coming up later this summer.

Calling All Angels: Join us for Music, Food, Inspiration and Sharing

2010 is the 10th anniversary of African Aids Angels. African Aids Angels Victoria will be hosting a celebration at the James Bay New Horizons on Saturday September 11, 2010, from 11:00 a.m until 2 p.m.

Start making your plans to come and meet with African Aids Angels volunteers from Victoria, Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and the Mainland. Nova Scotia and California volunteers would be especially welcome.

• Inspiration: We hope to share inspiring angel designs. Bring your most creative angels for the display area.
• Sharing: We will be collecting your volunteer profiles and photos to send to those we support in Malawi, Zambia and South Africa.
• Food: A light lunch will be served.
• Music: Lively music provided by Mufaro Marimba

RSVP to africanaidsangels@gmail.com by August 20 to help us with our planning. Maps and details to follow.

Angel Board Members

Our African AIDS Angels AGM will be held at 7 p.m., Wednesday May 26th.

We have two Board positions open. Terms are for one year.

We are looking for individuals who enjoy working with people, enjoy the puzzle of organizing and can commit to 4 meetings a year.

Potential tasks would be:

Volunteer Coordinator: to keep connected with volunteers, welcome new members, assist with information and access to materials.

Marketing Coordinator: to oversee marketing events such as craft fairs, mall events and open house. We have a large body of active volunteers always ready to respond to help at these events.

Or other projects that would match the skills of the board member.

Craft skills are not a pre-requisite, and we would welcome inquiries from individuals who are interested in AIDS Angels but have not yet participated in our activities.

If you are curious about becoming a Board Member, or if you know someone who would be interested in becoming involved as an Angel Board Member, please send an email to africanaidsangels@gmail.com or call Mary at 250-727-0226.

Shops needed

Know any hairdressers?

In Victoria we're looking to expand the number of businesses that carry Angels. Hairdressers are examples of small local businesses that make great locations for angels. One of our racks takes up less that a square foot of space on a counter, and the people at Chamberlain Walk Hair Designers have been happy to participate.

If you think your hairdresser would be a suitable candidate, take an angel into the shop to start a conversation. Or contact Elizabeth Garrett, elizgarrett@shaw.ca, with the details and she will follow up. Elizabeth has a letter of introduction which includes a photo of the rack. A volunteer will visit the store periodically to bring more angels and pick up the donations.

The businesses that carry angels are listed on our website.

Contact Elizabeth if you have any questions. And thanks for your help.

African Aids Angels 10th Anniversary AGM

Wednesday, May 26th at 7 p.m.
James Bay New Horizons
234 Menzies

Guest speaker: Peggy Frank

Peggy has just returned from visiting our project volunteers in Mzuzu Malawi. She will bring photos and news of their work.

There will also be presentations from our other projects.

ANGEL ASSEMBLERS AND DRESSERS WANTED

As we prepare for the spring round of activities we would like some angelmakers to assemble and/or dress angels. Our supplies of finished angels at this point are low after the Christmas rush, and we need more pegs and beads assembled as well.

Please contact Vic or Lorraine at 250-472-6499 or lvparsons@shaw.ca for supplies.

High School Angel-makers

Congratulations to the Peer Support class at Carihi Secondary School in Campbell River for their fund-raising efforts. Their teacher Jane Kolmatycki sent this report:

"The Carihi Peer Support class has once again made African AIDS angels to support your organization and the very valuable work that you do.

Peer Support is a group of high school students, grades 10-12, who work in a variety of ways to help their peers. Three years ago Kirstie Graham and her mother Carol came to the class with the idea to make AIDS Angels. Each year now we have spent 3 weeks making the angels and collecting money during the Christmas season. This year the students were particularly enthusiastic and we sold the angels at several locations. We are very happy this year to send you a cheque for $807.85 to help you with your work with AIDS in Africa."

Thanks to all involved!

Beautiful Art Cards and Magnets for Sale!

Cards and Art work for Angels

Looking for gifts or note cards for yourself?

Cards and fridge magnets featuring the Malawi Schoolgirls image are now available at The Broadmead Bakery in the Broadmead mall just off Royal Oak Avenue.

Paige and Romena, the owners of the bakery are also displaying a framed giclee print of the painting. Prints are available by contacting africanaidsangels@gmail.com

Notes from Malawi

Peggy Frank of Victoria's Positively Africa visited with Teddy and Delirah in January. We are looking forward to hearing from Peggy when she returns.

The following note is from Delirah Phiri, one of the coordinators of the Malawi Project, one of the projects that AAA Victoria provides funding for (for farm inputs, school fees and nutritional support for Aids affected persons).

"We had a nice time with Peggy. Although her stay in Mzuzu was cut short we managed to show her some of our beneficiaries and what they do. This year we have helped ninety five people with farm inputs instead of fifty because the price of fertilizer came down, but when schools opened for this year we were told that fees has gone up. The results for our beneficiaries who sat for their final year are out. We are happy to let you know that most of them have done well. On nutritional support all our twenty-one beneficiaries are well. From the farm input group two people passed away due to old age. We are having good rains here in Mzuzu. We hope for good yield. We applied for a ground phoneline to help sort out our communication. Teddy is doing well, Vincent and Gilda are fine. More next time. Delirah"

News from a supporter in Halifax

Bobbi Dunham-Carter writes from Halifax. Their proceeds support the Ottawa African AIDS Angels group, as well as some funds that go via Victoria from Judy Starritt in Nova Scotia.

I stumbled across African AIDS Angels at Love Me Boutique in Halifax, NS around Christmas 2008. I was intrigued so I bought one and the next day went to work at Nova Scotia Community College. I sent out an ‘all staff’ email to see if anyone wanted an Angel like the one I found at the boutique. Our college has 13 campuses around the province so not everyone has access to Halifax. Within an hour I received requests for 100 angels. I bought the entire stock. I was given a contact name in Ottawa to see about getting more angels. Peter Tobin and Lorna Kingston from Ottawa sent me another 200 angels which sold out immediately. NSCC is a pretty amazing place to work.

Again, Christmas 2009 didn’t disappoint. Although I could only get 150 angels this year (100 from Ottawa and 50 from Judy Starritt in NS who I met earlier this year), after sending an ‘all staff’ email, all the angels sold out within minutes. To date, $2250.00 raised. I’m very happy that all funds are being used to support the cause and not going to administrative or shipping costs. All angels sell for $5. This has been a great experience. I will continue to do what I can to help.

Other developments: Last year, a faculty member at NSCC’s Akerley campus, Michelle Flanagan, started an African AIDS Angels service learning project with the with the students in the General Arts and Science and African Career Transition Programs. I’ve attached some images.

You are doing a wonderful thing. I applaud you! YAY!!!

Bobbi Dunham-Carter, Organizational Learning Specialist
Nova Scotia Community College

Report from Powell River BC

The Powell River Aids Angel Group surpassed their wildest expectations for Aids Angels sales in 2009. We thought the perhaps the small market had been saturated from sales over the last 6 years. But we were thrilled when we could not keep up with demand.

Each fall we start making the dolls and when we had made 100 dolls, we thought our work was done. Then a couple of members with "Angel Fever" went over and above the call of duty. One member, an elementary school teacher, made over $200 as she sold Angels to all the school staffs in town. Another teacher worked with a group of her Kindergarten moms to make 40 dolls. The dolls were sold at their school's Christmas Concert.

The highlight of the Aids Angels-making season for me was watching the Grade 7 boys and girls at my school intently making angels. They were not satisfied with making one doll, they wanted to make more! I had preceded the angel making session with a short presentation on the topic of AIDS in Africa. (If you are considering doing something like this, YouTube has some excellent videos produced by the Stephen Lewis Foundation.)

You might be wondering how much money we raised this year. Our grand total was $1338.00! Thank you to all who helped!

Elizabeth Brach, Powell River

Gardens West features Seeds for Malawi garden

Gardens West (January/February 2010 issue) features the garden of Susan Evans and Ted Harrison on Saltspring Island.

Susan is actively involved with Seeds for Malawi on Saltspring Island. A portion of her garden is dedicated to a nursery that nutures plants which are sold to raise funds for Seeds for Malawi. The money raised is directed to African Aids Angels Victoria and these funds provide the majority of support for our hard working volunteers in Malawi.

The article provides a beautiful tour of the garden and will inspire angel volunteers who are gardeners and even those who are not. The magazine is on the newstands now. You can also read about the activities of this group in their report which appears monthly on our blog.

Part of the article is currently online.

Congratulations to Susan, Ted and Seeds for Malawi!