Quality Control for Angel-makers

We are approaching the busy season for angel "sales" and need lots of angels. Since our purpose is raising funds, we need to offer angels that donors will admire and want to select.

 If you are an angel-maker, please note the following:

• All parts of an angel need to be stable. The completed angel will be packed in a box and moved so the clothing and decoration may shift, sometimes making it less attractive. To make angels stable, all parts should be glued sufficiently, especially

• the cape glued at the bottom back to the dress
• the wings glued to the body or cape in several places, not just the centre
• all folded layers glued to each other
• dangling jewelry glued so it doesn't move or swing

• After considerable experience, we can report that feathers do not sell well. While a few angels with feathers may be desirable for variety, their use should be very sparing
• The neck should have no wood showing through. Use a narrow ribbon for a finished look at the neck.

Your attention to these adjustments will make our sales and fund-raising more productive. Thanks!

Salmon Arm Gallery & Cordova Bay Group

The Gondwana Gallery in Salmon Arm BC has been carrying Angels for several years. The Gallery is a fair trade store with a large number of items from Africa and elsewhere. The angels are made by the group at the Cordova Bay United Church in Victoria, and transported to the Interior.

One photo shows the large tree made from banana leaves which sits at the front of the store and displays the angels beautifully. [Click to enlarge it.] The second photo is of the owners and operators, Tibout and Marlene Glazenburg.  They support an orphanage in Africa as well as assist our fund-raising. We thank them!

The Cordova Bay group is winding down its efforts after meeting for almost four years. Roselyn (third photo) and Mary Margaret have been super volunteers, showing people how to make angels, preparing supplies for monthly sessions, and getting the angels to Salmon Arm. The Cordova Bay United Church has generously contributed free space and storage.

The final sessions will be in September and November, with no session in October. We wish Roselyn and Mary Margaret well with their increased free time.

We are open to a new monthly group starting if you have a location.

Markets in August

We'll be at these outdoor markets in August

• Sat. Aug. 18 James Bay Market, corner of Superior St. & Menzies, 9am to 3 pm
• Sat Aug. 25 Moss Street Market, corner of Moss St. & Fairfield Rd, 10 am to 2 pm

Stop by, say hello and pick up some new products. Many thanks go to the volunteers for the July and August markets.

AIDS 2012

Two news items from the 19th International AIDS Conference held last week in Washington. Over 20,000 people gathered for the biennial meeting.

1. AIDS and Women

A shift in the emphasis of PMTCT (Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission) programming towards viewing women not solely as the deliverers of babies, but as people who deserve to live in their own right, was called for at the conference. Despite significant progress in preventing mother to child transmission, Dr. Chewe Luo of UNICEF cautioned that there needs to be a shift that includes focusing on treatment for women.
This means that regardless of CD4 count, pregnant women should start anti-retroviral therapy for life, instead of just the pregnancy period. Ultimately this therapy could lead to fewer children orphaned by AIDS, and an increased likelihood that a woman’s subsequent babies would be protected. [CD4 or T-cells are part of the immune system. The number of CD4 cells in a drop of blood is an indication of the progression of HIV and possibly AIDS.]
Women are both biologically and culturally more vulnerable to infection. Young women between 15 and 24 account for around 70% of the total number of young people living with HIV. Among this age group, females are particularly vulnerable to gender-based violence, discrimination and self-esteem issues that might make it difficult to negotiate condom use.
Continuing the emphasis on gender equality, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Geeta Rao Gupta affirmed that all young women should be afforded the same support as expectant mothers if progress is to be made. "These adolescent girls and young women represent an unfinished agenda in the AIDS response," she stated.

2. Investment in prevention and treatment

Domestic investment on HIV and AIDS has for the first time exceeded global international investment on the epidemic, according to a new report released by UNAIDS called Together We Will End AIDS.

• International assistance has largely remained the same from 2006 to 2011. 
• Conversely, domestic spending on HIV and AIDS has increased by more than 50% in 81 countries. 
• Sub-Saharan Africa (except South Africa) increased public investment by a staggering 97%. 
• Low and middle-income countries are progressively taking ownership and becoming accountable for their own AIDS epidemic.

The report shows that the number of AIDS-related deaths and new HIV infections have both declined from 2010. It also states that the number of people accessing treatment in low and middle-income countries is up by 20% from last year, to just over half of those who are eligible.

Updates from South Africa

These are summaries of reports received from South Africa where Angels funds go to St. Mary's Hospital's Born to Live program, and the Tembalethu Orphanage.
  
1. Progress report on St. Mary's Hospital Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT)

"The overall aim of our programme is to prevent and reduce the transmission of HIV from the mother to the unborn baby, ensure that all pregnant mothers know their HIV status before they deliver, and that all exposed babies are fully immunised up to 18 months.
An African Union Commission plan to reduce maternal mortality throughout Africa includes a focus on best practices. During the launch of the South African component of the initiative in KwaZulu Natal province, St. Mary's Hospital was honoured to be requested to showcase its outstanding performance regarding Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission. This is a testament to the hospital's ongoing commitment towards the reduction of mother to child transmission of HIV.
Currently donations including yours are allocated to operational costs of maintaining the high standard of performance in this prevention programme. We are ever grateful for the support received to be able to deliver such a comprehensive, high calibre programme to our beneficiaries."

African AIDS Angels donated $13,477 to the program this year.
 
2. Thembalethu Orphanage

"The children and the sisters are doing well. With some of the money received, we sent a sister to attend the trainer's course on 'HIV/AIDS and the care of Orphans and Vulnerable Children' so she can help train our caregivers on the same.
We continue to pay for an after-school teacher who does tremendous work helping the older children who may have never been to school, and in turn they can help the younger children.
Some of the money we are saving for the building of a cottage in order to improve the living accommodation for the children.

[A hospital formerly operating on the site was moved 20 kilometres away in the late 90s. The sisters recognized the pressing need to assist HIV/AIDS orphans and used the old wards to accommodate the children. In 2005 the government legislated nationwide that children should be housed in cottages of no more than 6 with a housemother in a more homely environment.]

"We have a plan and a builder but we are short of funds. Each cottage costs about $8400 and we need to build six of them. If we can build a cottage with the money from African AIDS Angels, we will ask you to name the cottage. We hope with the help from you together we can do it."
Sr. Andrea

African AIDS Angels donated $10,600 this year: $7614 to the orphanage, and $2985 for an outreach program.

New treasurer

If you have collected money on behalf of African AIDS Angels or wish to make a cash donation, we have a new treasurer and a new address.

Brian Price has been on the Board for the past two years and is a qualified accountant.
Please write cheques or money orders payable to African AIDS Angels: do not make them out to Brian.
      Brian Price
      23-4051 Shelbourne St.
      Victoria BC   V8N 3E5
       tel. 250-721-3763

Questions should still be directed to the general AIDS Angels email address.

Current board members are:
Vic Parsons
Pierre Dil
Carol Sherwood
Brian Price
Sandra Dennis
Laura How
Nathan How
Barb McKrow.

Volunteers for Sale Tables

   

UPDATE: The volunteer spots for July are now full. If you would like to volunteer for the next Moss Street Market on Saturday August 25 between 9 and 2, please send an email.

In Victoria we are looking for volunteers at an outdoor sale table in July. Shifts are usually 2 to 3 hours.
    
NOW FULL Sat. July 14 - James Bay Market, Superior St. at Menzies St. 8am (set-up) to 3 pm.
Please send an email to africanaidsangels@gmail.com if you are interested.

You can also find us at the Moss Street Market (Moss St. near Fairfield Rd.) on Saturday July 28 from 10 am to 2 pm. We have enough volunteers for this one already.

Me to We Contest

Congratulations to Nathan How for winning his age category in the Me to We contest. African AIDS Angels will be receiving $5000 as a result. (See the blog item below from May 27 if you missed the details.)

Watch for news in the September issue of Canadian Living magazine. Thanks to all of you who voted to make this happen.

Supply Depot in Victoria

The supply depot in Victoria is at Linda Foley's house by appointment for July and August. She has angel bodies and hot glue sticks, and will accept completed angels.

The address is
4310 Maltwood Lane
(off Emily Carr Drive & Maltwood Terrace in the high Quadra/Broadmead area)  map
250-881-1536

Many thanks go to Linda for doing this.

Volunteers for Sale Tables

Where do all those angels go? African AIDS Angels will have a sale tent at the

• Canada Day celebration
• Sunday July 1
• along the Gorge waterway 
• put on by the Tillicum-Gorge Community Association. 

The exact hours are not yet determined but we would like your help for a few hours at this fun event. Volunteers are particularly needed around 8:30 or 9 am for set-up, and 4 pm for packing up.

The area is closed to vehicles (except during set-up and take down) so you should expect to do some walking. You can volunteer with a friend or family member if you wish.

Please send an email to africanaidsangels@gmail.com if you can make it.

The next summer markets for presenting angels will be Saturdays July 14 & 28, August 18 & 25. Do they fit your schedule?

Supply depot - Victoria

The supply depot in Victoria will be open from June 8 to about June 24, then moving to the second address below.

The pick-up point in Victoria for angel supplies and completed angels for sales, as well as the drop-off point for completed angels from June 8 to 24 is :

• Vic & Lorraine Parsons
• 1473 Banff Place (off Doncaster), map
• 250-472-6499
• lvparsons@shaw.ca

Around June 25 and through the summer, supplies will be available by appointment from:

• Linda Foley
• 4310 Maltwood Lane
• (off Emily Carr Drive and Maltwood Terrace)
• 250-881-1536

Nathan How nominated to finals of Me to We Award

Hello everyone,

 

Vic Parsons, Chair of AAA, has nominated Nathan How, one of our young board members for a Me to We Award. He has been chosen as one of three finalists. The winner will recieve $5,000 to donate to their charity of choice. The winner will be determined by an online vote. 

Nathan has chosen to award any money earned to AAA, if he wins. 

Here's how you can help us earn this money:

 

Please take a brief moment to vote in the 2012 Me to We Awards and help African Aids Angels win $5000!

 

Type or copy this address: www.metoweawards.com. Click into  the section marked "vote now".

 

Find the section for Youth in Action 13 - 17 years.

 

If you agree to, vote for Nathan How, one of our board of directors. For better or worse, you must vote for someone in all six categories (It makes for interesting reading I assure you. See what young community leaders are up to). There is a $5000 prize for each category.

 

Voting ends June 8 so don't delay - vote right now!

 

Did you know.............

 

• Sub-Saharan Africa is more heavily affected by HIV / Aids than anywhere else on earth
• One in four children in Zambia has been orphaned by HIV / Aids.
• Since the beginning of the epidemic, 14.8 million children have lost one or both parents

Please forward this message to your friends, family, co-workers, neighbours - anyone who supports your work with AAA. Post it to Facebook, Twitter, a poster in the office. Encourage people to pass it along to school friends, youth groups and anyone else who would like to support the cause.

 

Thank you!

 

Pierre Dil

Changes to Malawi Program

After consideration for some time, our partners in Malawi have decided to scale back their intensive efforts to help people in their community who are affected by HIV/AIDS. As has been reported before, Teddy Phiri suffered a stroke several years ago and some of his responsibilities have been picked up by his wife Delirah and another couple.

This volunteer group of four decided to continue the nutrition support project which supplies supplementary food to 20 people who are on ARV medication but cannot farm due to their health status. A few are well enough to start small businesses such as selling cold drinks.

The money for the nutrition support project comes from African AIDS Angels. The money for the other larger components which will end in 2013 - secondary school fees and farm inputs for 50 to 80 farmers - comes to us from Seeds for Malawi on Saltspring Island.

The Seeds for Malawi group headed by Susan Evans has decided that this is also the time to wind down their efforts. This group which is affiliated with the Saltspring Garden Club has worked extremely hard for many years to raise substantial funds, mainly by selling high quality plants which they grow themselves. We congratulate them and thank for all their efforts.

We will be sending their last donation as usual in September this year.  Please read their newsletter for further explanation. Click on the image to enlarge, then press Control and + to enlarge further..

Photos from Malawi

Peter Kepkay, a film-maker from Vancouver is visiting Malawi and including our projects on his trip.

Delirah Phiri sent some photos of Peter's welcome from recipient groups including farmers, families on food support, and secondary students.

Peter filming secondary students whose school fees are paid by Seeds for Malawi.

Click on the photos to enlarge them.

Dunduzu recipients of farm support dance to welcome Peter.

Farmers discuss their progress.

Families unable to work due to health status receive food support.

We look forward to seeing the results of Peter's filming at a later date.

More comments from Delirah:
"The harvest this year is not as expected due to low rainfall in
January but at least some harvest will be achieved.
The Malawi kwacha has been devalued by the IMF [International Monetary Fund]: it's now 250 against the US dollar. Prices of commodities have gone up and people are scared of the future. But I believe this [devaluation] a good move by the [new] Madam President so that donors are able to aid Malawi.
Fuel [gasoline] is being sold at 490 Kwacha which is equal to almost 2 US dollars per litre but still scarce.
We all send our regards to you.
Delirah"

Annual General Meeting - Tuesday May 22

The African AIDS Angels  Annual General Meeting is set for

• Tuesday May 22 at 7 p.m., 
• James Bay New Horizons Centre, 
• 234 Menzies St., Victoria

All supporters are encouraged to attend. Tea, coffee and juice and other refreshments provided. This meeting is an opportunity to see what other angel-makers are producing.

The Board of Directors needs some additional members, so please consider standing for election. The board meets three times a year, a small commitment in time.

For more information about being a board member, call Vic at 250-472-6499.

At the meeting, Nathan How, one of our board members who has visited the Zambia orphanage we support, will present a short speech which won him a trip to visit the United Nations in New York this spring. The student competitors had to chose one of the UN's Millennium goals to research and speak on, so Nathan was able to draw on his personal experience at Makeni.

New Product # 3

In addition to the magnets and junior angels described below, we now testing angels as barrettes. Little girls with long hair (and their mothers or grandmothers) will appreciate this one-of-a-kind decoration.

The barrettes will be available for an $8 donation at the May 13 Mother's Day Paint-in at Royal Roads, Victoria.

Angels Table

Your help is needed to staff a table with angels at the

• Mother's Day Paint-in
• Royal Roads University, Colwood (Victoria)
• Sunday May 13
• Hours 9 am to 4:30 pm

Please volunteer to assist with our fund-raising.

Spend some worthwhile time before or after your worthwhile shift walking the trails where artists are demonstrating their work.

Send an email to africanaidsangels@gmail.com. Thank you.

New product ideas

Two new angel ideas to add to our fund-raising potential. Both types require compact styles with small wings. Click on images to enlarge.

1. infant angels
Pastel colours and cute trims make these angels suitable for baby gifts or children.














2. angels with magnets
Inexpensive magnets can be found in dollar stores. Apply to centre back with hot glue.

Seeds for Malawi Newsletter

The latest newsletter from Seeds for Malawi on Saltspring Island is here. Click on the image to enlarge.

Seeds for Malawi funds the major part of our project in Malawi, with money raised from plant sales, angels and other crafts.

Supply Depot in Victoria for end of February and March

The supply depot in Victoria has a temporary home from February 21 to approximately March 28.
Angel-makers can pick up bodies, glue sticks and name tags, as well as drop off completed angels or obtain angels for sales by making an appointment with:

• Linda Foley
• 250-881-1536
• 4310 Maltwood Lane (in the Broadmead/High Quadra area). map

Fund-raising at Churches

Are you part of a church congregation or similar group in greater Victoria?

We have had some success with marketing angels at a table just before and after Sunday services, and would like to expand.

If you can contact the person who approves this sort of request at your church for a one-time event, or let us know who to contact, please send an email to africanaidsangels@gmail.com

Marketing in Victoria

The Angels fund-raising process has many components. The Board of Directors is keen to find a volunteer for marketing and distribution of angels in Greater Victoria.

The job will require an hour or two a week for much of the year, and possibly a few hours when sales are on. The tasks are:

1. Research, suggest, and contact new low-cost marketing venues such as fairs and recreation centres
   
2. Maintain annual liaison with some existing venues which have been successful
3. Assist with set-up and supply of tables at "sale" events.
   

Training will be provided. Ability to use email is required and use of a vehicle is recommended. This position is separate from supply to shops.

If you can help with all or part of this position, please send an email to africanaidsangels@gmail.com so we can meet to discuss the details.

Youth Committee

We have a small but active Youth Committee in Victoria which visits school classes and other youth groups. Sessions involve students' making an angel and learning about the people we are assisting in southern Africa. Usually a team of two volunteers is involved. The teacher and class are responsible for collecting their own donations afterward.

If the Committee expands, we can reach more classes. If you are interested in young people and would like to participate or want more information, please send an email to africanaidsangels@gmail.com.

Supply Depot in Victoria for February

Supplies (bodies, name tags, hot glue sticks) will be available for angel-makers in Victoria from Feb. 4 to 22. Completed angels can also be dropped off. Contact:

• Vic Parsons
• 1473 Banff Pl. (off Doncaster) map
• 250-472-6499
• lvparsons@shaw.ca

If you rely on the bus, arrangements can usually be made to meet at a nearby shopping mall.

Photos from Malawi

Delirah Phiri, our contact in Mzuzu, Malawi sent some new photos of aid recipients. Delirah reports that it's raining frequently which is good for the crops. But fuel is very scarce and if you are able to "find it by chance..prices have soared skyhigh".
If you click on a picture, it will enlarge.
The women above receive supplementary food since their health status prevents them from farming.
The second group are farmers in Choma who receive seeds and fertilizer for three years to feed their families.
Delirah expresses admiration for Bettie Ngulube from the Choma group. Bettie (photo below) has no fingers but still tills the land and is secretary of the group. "I was deeply touched and amazed with this woman's spirit to keep working," Delirah writes.

Money Collected?

If you have collected money for African AIDS Angels, please write a cheque or obtain a money order and mail it to

• African AIDS Angels
• c/o 1855 Neil St.
• Victoria BC V8R 3C6.

Please email us (africanaidsangels@gmail.com) if you need other ways to transfer money.

Cash donations by credit card can be made through the PayPal account on our website, and we use this for online angel orders as well. However PayPal is not a preferred way to send money you've collected for angels because of the fees charged. Thanks.

News from Away

More good news from out-of-town groups:

1) Sandi in Los Angeles who knows people in BC has been making angels for several years and sent another donation from her community efforts

2) a small church group in Red Deer Alberta sent a large cheque from their one-and-a half year project. A newcomer from Victoria who had made angels before suggested this activity to a group of busy young moms and young middle-aged women. Emily calls it an amazing, wonderful experience which met all their goals.
With new babies on the scene and one person moving away, the group has discontinued making angels but they send best wishes to other angel-making groups and the recipients of our proceeds in southern Africa.

University of Victoria group

Last spring a prospective student at the University of Victoria - Megan - expressed interest in making angels. Since our weekday sessions are not convenient for students, we suggested she might like to establish a club at UVic which could meet at an appropriate time. Megan took this challenge on, and after the completion of one successful term, sent this report:

With the guidance and support of AAA board members Laura and Sandra, we created AIDS Angels UVic as a club on campus. We meet every Tuesday evening for a couple hours, making the Angels from supplies generously given to us by Sandra, Carol and Barb.

The other girls who have joined our group bring creativity and positive energy: I truly couldn't have done it without their folding and crafting and gluing efforts! We had a very successful first term, raising around $200 in Angel sales on World AIDS Day on December 1st at UVic, as well as another day on campus.

World AIDS Day was especially rewarding, as I got to work with UVic Aid for AIDS and the African Awareness Club to collaborate on the day's events. A representative from the Island Sexual Health Clinic was at one of our tables which included both information and AIDS Angels. Later that day a guest speaker held a discussion on her anthropological research with AIDS and Papua New Guinea indigenous peoples. Overall, it was a great day for drumming up awareness!

Out-of-town Groups

Congratulations and thanks to:

• Judy and her Nova Scotia colleagues who have raised a total of $10,000 since starting only in spring 2009
• groups in Roberts Creek, Vancouver, and Pender Island who have added to their substantial totals this year.

We are so impressed and grateful.

Supply Depot in Victoria

Supplies for angel-makers are available from now until January 8, so please plan ahead if you need bodies or name-tags. After January 8, there will be a break until February.

The pick-up point for angel supplies and completed angels for sales, as well as the drop-off point for completed angels has changed from Linda Foley's back to:

Vic & Lorraine Parsons
1473 Banff Place (off Doncaster), map
250-472-6499
lvparsons@shaw.ca

Thanks very much to Linda Foley for helping out during the past few busy months.

We need new angels year-round to supply shops and other small sales in the spring/summer.

Where to find Angels

Looking for Angels? Generous shops which carry a small rack of angels are listed on our website.
Welcome and thanks to our newest shops:

• Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, 4071 Shelbourne St. (at Feltham)
• Sorensen Books, 1027 Cook St. (at Fort)
• Tia’s Heritage Cafe, 5305 West Saanich Road (near Sparton)
• Mazouna Moroccan Bazaar, 715 Douglas St, opp. Convention Centre

A Gift of Hope

Please consider making a cash donation to African AIDS Angels this holiday season. The money will go directly to the projects we support in southern Africa for children, families, and pregnant women who are affected by HIV/AIDS.

A donation is a great way to honour someone who has everything, or everything he or she needs. In the past a couple has made this their gift to each other, and people have made donations for friends who are overseas where gifts are difficult to send. It's a great gift when you don't know what to get for someone, or when you know they will support your gesture of goodwill.

If you wish, for donations of $15 or more you can receive a Gift of Hope card which says in part, "

A Gift of Hope has been made in your name to African AIDS Angels, with best wishes from..."

We will mail the card to you or your recipient.
To make a donation by credit card, use the Donations page on our website.
To make a donation by cheque, mail it to

• African AIDS Angels
• c/o 1855 Neil St
• Victoria BC V8R 3C6

indicating where the Gift of Hope card should be sent. Happy Holidays.

Where to find angels

Upcoming places to find angels in Victoria:

• Sat. Nov. 26, VIDEA Fair Trade Fair, First Metropolitan United Church, Balmoral at Quadra, 10-4, admission by donation
• Thur. Dec. 1, World AIDS Day tables at Camosun College (in front of Fisher Building) and University of Victoria
• Fri.-Sun. Dec. 2-4, Hillside Mall kiosk, between Sears & Purdy's, all mall hours
• Sat. Dec. 3, Dickens Craft Fair, James Bay Community School, 140 Oswego St., 3-9 pm, admission by donation

Festival of Trees

Leadership students at Mt. Douglas High School in Victoria have made 200 angels and decorated a tree at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. This is part of the annual BC Children's Hospital fund-raiser, the Festival of Trees. The students are honouring a classmate who has been treated by the hospital.

The trees are on the main and lower floors at the Empress from now until January 6, open at all hours. You can vote for your favourite with a donation of $2 or more benefiting the hospital.

If anyone is inspired by the tree to buy an angel, Nathan and Laura found a new shop nearby to carry our regular angels. Check out Mazouna Moroccan Bazaar, 715 Douglas St, across from the Convention Centre.

News from Out-of-Town Groups

We are very grateful to the Out-of-Town group members who contribute to AIDS Angels fund-raising.

• The small but mighty group in Parksville/Qualicum recently raised $900 at the KAIROS World Trade Bazaar, and continues to supply some local shops.
• The Halifax group has a branch in Yarmouth which raised $442 at a craft sale. At a national sorority conference the Halifax group made $1013 plus some excellent contacts.
• An angel-maker in Vancouver who supplied a table at Simon Fraser University for a few years couldn't continue, but some other angel-makers in Vancouver have taken it over.

These groups and others are extremely important to the funds that we send to southern Africa.

Open House Photos

Photos of some of the excellent angels seen at the Nov. 5 Open House are now in the Angel Gallery.

There are also some on our Facebook page.

Hillside Mall December 2-4

Thanks to everyone who helped make our Open House on Nov. 5 a success. We are now looking for volunteers to help at the Hillside Mall kiosk on these dates:

• Friday Dec.2
• Saturday Dec. 3
• Sunday Dec. 4

We need to staff all open hours of the mall, which is 9 am to 9 pm, except Sunday which ends at 6 pm.

If you can help for a few hours or have questions, contact Barb McKrow, bmckrow@shaw.ca. Your name will go on a list and you will be contacted later about the schedule. Thanks!

Trees at Empress Hotel

Every year the BC Children's Hospital has a major fund-raiser at the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria. The Festival of Trees on display for six weeks presents a special opportunity for groups and individuals to support the important work of the BC Children's Hospital.

This year a dedicated group of leadership students at Mt. Douglas High School are making African AIDS Angels to decorate their tree. They are contributing in honour of a fellow student who has been helped by the hospital, and later the angels will be available for African AIDS Angels fund-raising.

This event runs from November 22 to January 6. You can check it out and vote for your favourite tree. Thanks to board members Sandra Dennis and Nathan How for making this dual-purpose event happen, as well as to all the students involved.

Fair Trade on November 26

VIDEA'S FAIR TRADE FAIR

Saturday November 26th
First Metropolitan United Church Hall
932 Balmoral Road at Quadra St, Victoria
10am - 4pm

Come out and support over 35 local fair trade vendors, including African AIDS Angels. Make your holiday purchases with a conscience, enjoy great live music, food from the International Women's Catering Coop, good friends, door prizes and lots more! Admission is by donation and the venue is wheelchair accessible.

African AIDS Angels has enough volunteers for this table. Thanks to those participating.

Open House this Saturday Nov. 5

Be sure to attend our annual Open House in Victoria. See the clever handiwork of dozens of angel-makers, including standing angels for tabletop decoration.

Saturday Nov. 5
10 am to 3 pm
Swan Lake Nature House

map

Free admission and refreshments. Donations per angel are a minimum of $10 at this special event.

Bring a friend and combine the Open House with a stroll along Swan Lake's refreshing boardwalk.

Angel-making Sessions

Please join these upcoming angel-making sessions. They are drop-in events with instruction provided, and you do not need to bring anything. For maps and future dates, check the Calendar at the bottom of this page.

1. EVENING Thursday Nov. 3, 7 pm, Holy Cross Parish Hall ( behind the church), 4049 Gordon Head Road
2. Wed. Nov. 16, 1-3 pm, Cordova Bay United Church, 813 Claremont Ave, beside Claremont School
3. Mon. Nov. 21, James Bay Community Project, 547 Michigan Ave.
4. Student group every Tuesday evening, 6:30 pm at UVic Student Union Bldg, lower floor, except during Reading Break.
   

You may also drop off completed angels at these times.

Videa Fair Trade Fair, November 26, posters

We have all time slots covered with at least one person, but there are two times, 12 noon to 2 p.m, and 2 p.m to 4 p.m, that might need one more person each. If we have two people there at all times, it gives you a chance to wonder around to see all the exhibits.

Click on the title of this post, above to go to the Videa web site, with the poster for this event!

You can download the poster and handout here, by clicking on colour highlighted words.

If you can volunteer to sell angels at this exciting event, please let me know (reply to aids angels e-mail address),

Pierre Dil

Supply & Distribution Depot in Victoria

Linda Foley has kindly agreed to handle distribution of supplies and acceptance of completed angels. This will last into the fall until further notice.

Linda's phone number is 250-881-1536 and her address is 4310 Maltwood Lane (in the Broadmead/High Quadra area). map

Vic and Lorraine Parsons, the regular distributors, will be unavailable.

Fall Events

Here's a summary of the bigger events happening in Victoria this fall.

• November 5, Saturday, 10 to 3: African AIDS Angels Open House at Swan Lake Nature House
• November 26, Saturday: VIDEA Fair Trade Fair. See other posting for volunteer requests.
• December 2-4, Friday eve. to Sunday: Angels at Hillside Mall kiosk
• December 3, Saturday: Dickens Fair, James Bay Community School
• November 22 -January 6: Angel tree at Empress Hotel, part of the BC Children's Hospital fund-raiser, entered by Mt. Douglas High School leadership group

Videa Fair Trade Fair, Volunteers needed

African AIDS Angels will be selling angels at a table at the Videa Fair Trade fair, on November 26, 2011, from 10 am to 4 p.m. The location is Metropolitan First United Church Hall, 932 Balmoral Road, in Victoria.

We need volunteers (2 for each of time slots 10-12 noon, 12-2 pm, and 2-4 pm) to sell angels and be responsible for talking to the public about AAA.

This is a really fun event to volunteer for, and with two people available at the table you have ample time to spell each other offf and browse around the other exhibits. It is a great time to do some Christmas shopping.

Lee Ann and I will take the first time slot (10am to 12 noon) so we wil set-up the table.

The persons covering 2-4 pm will need to take down the display and pack up angels/supplies, to be returned to Pierre and Lee Ann Dil's house.

If you think you could assist with this, reply to the AAA gmail address, or leave a comment in reply to this on the blog! Thank you,

Pierre Dil

Golden donations

With the high price of gold these days, it's well worth it to check any jewelry donations you have received. If an earring, brooch or chain is marked on the back at 10k, 18k, or 24k, you can turn it into a cash donation.

Recently a volunteer received $55 for two items at a jeweler/gold recycler. If you want the name of a shop in Victoria, send us an email.

Angels club at UVic

An angels club is forming at the University of Victoria.
If you're a student there or know a student who is interested in making angels, send an email to africanaidsangels@gmail.com. We'll put you in touch.

Angels and Quality Control

We're heading into the busy season for fund-raising and look forward to receiving your angels. Please take a moment to note a few points on quality control.

• All parts should be secure. Hold the angel up, or hang it briefly to make sure all parts are fully attached.
• The skirt seam should be fully glued, not flapping open.
• The name tag should be attached with a single split piece of raffia which is soft, not stiff, and hanging about 3 to 4 inches down the back.

Angels are handled several times and packed in boxes, so they need to be well constructed with future handling and donors in mind.

Where to find angels

Angels will be available at these upcoming events in the Victoria area:

• Sunday September 11 - Metchosin Fall Fair, Happy Valley Rd., Metchosin
  
• Saturday September 17 and October 8 - Peninsula Country Market, Saanich Fairgrounds, Mt. Newton Cross Road, 9 am - 1 pm.

For angels at any time, consult the list of generous shops on our website.

We are always in need of more places to present angels. Please send an email if you have a small or large opportunity to add angels to an event.

News from South African Projects

Following receipt of the second half of their 2011 allocation from African AIDS Angels, the people responsible for the South African progams sent reports and thanks:

Thembalethu (Assisi) orphanage
Sister Andrea, in charge of the children’s shelter, thanked the AAA volunteers for the funds sent in June. “You are the real angels. You have such special ways – a kind of magic touch. Your donation was highly appreciated, more than words can say. There is a world of special meaning in the words that comes your way.”

The head of the Outreach program, Sister Evarista, recently passed away and her place has been taken by a newly retired teacher.

The youngest child now at the shelter was born in March and abandoned by his mother in the hospital at Port Shepstone. “He is growing well and is spoiled by everyone.” Sister Fakazile is still helping the school-age children in their studies after the school day is finished. This has dramatically improved the children’s grades. The photo shows the children's playroom building.

There will be a change in the infrastructure at Thembalethu. The Sisters had originally found accommodation for the orphans in a wing of a former hospital. The South African government is requiring the construction of cottages which will be the homes for 6 to 8 children each. This has proven to be a better system overall but will stretch the resources of Thembalethu. The photo shows the former hospital.

St. Mary’s Hospital - Born to Live Program
Sheena Hardiman from the large hospital at Marianhill near Durban calls the AAA volunteers “stars” and thanks them all for the June contribution to the Born to Live program.

In the past year, she says, 964 mothers have gone through the antenatal classes. Forty-three per cent of those women were HIV-positive. “All of these mothers would have received treatment to prevent the unborn baby from getting HIV and the babies would receive the preventative drug at birth.”

“We have many more mothers giving birth at St. Mary’s who may not have been through the Born to Live program but come through referral clinics and are HIV positive. We give the mothers the preventative drug and to the baby at birth. These number 1908. Our statistics still show a 96 per cent success rate. These moms and babies remain in the program post-delivery until 18 months when the final blood test is taken to see if the baby is HIV negative.”

Sheena says one indication Born to Live is working is that fewer children are being admitted to hospital who are HIV positive at a very young age.

Sunday August 7, Glendale Gardens

We are still looking for volunteers to staff a booth in Victoria for a couple of hours on

Sunday August 7, between 11 and 5,
especially at 5 pm.

You're welcome to sign up with a relative or friend if you prefer. Arts & Music at Glendale Gardens, (Horticulture Centre of the Pacific),505 Quayle Rd, accessible via Interurban or West Saanich Road. Artists will be working throughout the 9 acres of spectacular gardens. Location map.
Please send an email to africanaidsangels@gmail.com if you can help.

A big thanks to the great people who have been helping at sales this spring and summer: Fran, Barb, Lesley, Ruth, Nathan, Laura, Meaghan, LoraBeth, Brenda, Shawna, Erin, Elizabeth, Wynne, Terry, Kathie, Cathy, Barb, Marcia, and Brian.

Seeds for Malawi Garden Party

Click on the newsletter image to read about Seeds for Malawi's very successful garden party/fundraiser on Saltspring Island.
Use Control & + to increase the print size (Command & + on a Mac).

Their Mill Bay chapter also did very well at their plant sale. Congratulations to all the volunteers.

Malawi Photos

Some new photos received from Malawi. Shows recipients of agricultural assistance with their maize harvest which produces the staple food for the next year.