What kind of fabric do we need?
We have had many generous donations of fabric so we are well stocked. Storage is becoming a challenge.
Here is what we are still looking for:
glittery, good quality, bright, vibrantly coloured, party type fabric
real African fabric or bright ethnic fabrics
We have templates for cutting the fabric and will happily give them to anyone who wants to precut what they donate.
BLING!!!
We still need earrings and small brooches.
At the moment we have lots of beads and lace.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Thanks on Thanksgiving
This is a personal thanks to all of you who have done so much over the last few months. African Aids Angels is growing as an organization. We have new groups underway in Parksville, Qualicum, Chemainus, Pender Island, Comox, Sidney and others are exploring the possibility of starting up. These new groups have contributed almost $2000 in the last month.
In Victoria, volunteers are coming foward to help with the dozens of small, behind-the-scenes details that keep us running smoothly. Some are making wings at home. Some cut fabric. Some are working on organizing the sales and others are volunteering to sell. Many have begun putting hair on the angel bodies so they are ready for the dressings. Women from the Latter Day Saints have begun special groups to assist us in creating enough angels to supply us for the Christmas season.
There are angellers independently organizing fundraisers that will be of great benefit to us. A successful one was just held at the Stilt.
Each of our four projects requested $7000 worth of support for this year. We need to raise $30,000 to meet their needs. We are very close to reaching this goal, thanks to you.
An independent project appraiser recently visited African Angels in Malawi and was really impressed with the work they are doing with our support. Its wonderful to get this kind of feedback.
Many members talk about the great people they are meeting through African Aids Angels and I am always impressed with your generosity. Let's continue to make a difference with many small steps.
Mary Bomford
p.s. I'll be spending some time with my new red-haired grandson and may be slow to respond to enquiries. Be patient and imaginative!
In Victoria, volunteers are coming foward to help with the dozens of small, behind-the-scenes details that keep us running smoothly. Some are making wings at home. Some cut fabric. Some are working on organizing the sales and others are volunteering to sell. Many have begun putting hair on the angel bodies so they are ready for the dressings. Women from the Latter Day Saints have begun special groups to assist us in creating enough angels to supply us for the Christmas season.
There are angellers independently organizing fundraisers that will be of great benefit to us. A successful one was just held at the Stilt.
Each of our four projects requested $7000 worth of support for this year. We need to raise $30,000 to meet their needs. We are very close to reaching this goal, thanks to you.
An independent project appraiser recently visited African Angels in Malawi and was really impressed with the work they are doing with our support. Its wonderful to get this kind of feedback.
Many members talk about the great people they are meeting through African Aids Angels and I am always impressed with your generosity. Let's continue to make a difference with many small steps.
Mary Bomford
p.s. I'll be spending some time with my new red-haired grandson and may be slow to respond to enquiries. Be patient and imaginative!
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Latest Malawi News
CBC Sept.24th
The IMF and the World Bank are canceling
a $2.9 billion debt for Malawi.
This is 90% of Malawi's international debt.
This is moment of opportunity for Malawi where the average income is $1 a day.
The IMF and the World Bank are canceling
a $2.9 billion debt for Malawi.
This is 90% of Malawi's international debt.
This is moment of opportunity for Malawi where the average income is $1 a day.
Hair for Angels
Angelic Hair
Marg Farley has generously offered to coordinate the details around getting hair on angels.
She now has the wool, glue and peg bodies and will be the central point for delivery and pick up of materials for putting on hair.
We are about to begin our busiest time of the year. We anticipate needing about 1000 angels between now and Christmas. If 10 people would commit to doing 100 angel hairdoes we would be fine.That's about 3 hours of work once you get a routine going. Right now we have 4 volunteers for this job.
Give them a break and share the load.
We will have more "hair instruction" at the next dressing Oct. 7th.
Contact Marg (margfarley@shaw.ca) if you can help.
Marg Farley has generously offered to coordinate the details around getting hair on angels.
She now has the wool, glue and peg bodies and will be the central point for delivery and pick up of materials for putting on hair.
We are about to begin our busiest time of the year. We anticipate needing about 1000 angels between now and Christmas. If 10 people would commit to doing 100 angel hairdoes we would be fine.That's about 3 hours of work once you get a routine going. Right now we have 4 volunteers for this job.
Give them a break and share the load.
We will have more "hair instruction" at the next dressing Oct. 7th.
Contact Marg (margfarley@shaw.ca) if you can help.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Fear of Sales
Christmas Angel Sales
Last week many angel makers overcame their fear of doing angel hair. Congratulations!
The next challenge will be selling the angels.
We need over 30 volunteers ready to do a short 2 hour shift at one of our sales.
The angels sell themselves. You just need to collect the money! We provide all the materials. You just turn up with a smile.
We have coordinators for all the sales. Many thanks to Anne, Fran, and Barb.
Contact them to select your time and date:
Anne:jalowan@shaw.ca
Westshore: Nov. 2,3,4
Fran: franinvictoria@yahoo.ca
University Heights
Barb: bmckrow@shaw.ca
Hillside: Nov. 24,25,26
Last week many angel makers overcame their fear of doing angel hair. Congratulations!
The next challenge will be selling the angels.
We need over 30 volunteers ready to do a short 2 hour shift at one of our sales.
The angels sell themselves. You just need to collect the money! We provide all the materials. You just turn up with a smile.
We have coordinators for all the sales. Many thanks to Anne, Fran, and Barb.
Contact them to select your time and date:
Anne:jalowan@shaw.ca
Westshore: Nov. 2,3,4
Fran: franinvictoria@yahoo.ca
University Heights
Barb: bmckrow@shaw.ca
Hillside: Nov. 24,25,26
Fall Dates: Update
Saturday, October 7
10 a.m. til 2 p.m.
Drop in or bring your lunch if you come for the day,
St. Aidan's
3703 St. Aidans' Street
(check your map, this is tricky to find)
Tuesday Oct. 17
7 to 9 p.m.
Holy Cross Parish Center) next to church,
4049 Gordon Head Rd.
Angel Making
Note change
Wednesday October 18
6:30- 8:30 (Note Time!!)
James Bay New Horizons
234 Menzies
just north of Thrifty's James Bay
Angel Making
Oct. 25th: 7-9 p.m.
Susannes, 1273 Fairlane Terrace
Angel Making
Nov. 2,3,4
Westshore Mall
Anne Lowan in charge
Angel Sale
Nov. 6
Monday, 6:3o- 8:30 (note time)
James Bay New Horizons
234 Menzies
just north of Thrifty's James Bay
Angel Making
Nov. 17,18, 19
University Heights Sale
Fran Miller in charge
Tuesday, Nov. 21
Holy Cross Parish Center) next to church,
4049 Gordon Head Rd.
Angel Making
Nov. 24, 25, 26
Hillside Mall
Barb McCrow in charge
Angel Sale
10 a.m. til 2 p.m.
Drop in or bring your lunch if you come for the day,
St. Aidan's
3703 St. Aidans' Street
(check your map, this is tricky to find)
Tuesday Oct. 17
7 to 9 p.m.
Holy Cross Parish Center) next to church,
4049 Gordon Head Rd.
Angel Making
Note change
Wednesday October 18
6:30- 8:30 (Note Time!!)
James Bay New Horizons
234 Menzies
just north of Thrifty's James Bay
Angel Making
Oct. 25th: 7-9 p.m.
Susannes, 1273 Fairlane Terrace
Angel Making
Nov. 2,3,4
Westshore Mall
Anne Lowan in charge
Angel Sale
Nov. 6
Monday, 6:3o- 8:30 (note time)
James Bay New Horizons
234 Menzies
just north of Thrifty's James Bay
Angel Making
Nov. 17,18, 19
University Heights Sale
Fran Miller in charge
Tuesday, Nov. 21
Holy Cross Parish Center) next to church,
4049 Gordon Head Rd.
Angel Making
Nov. 24, 25, 26
Hillside Mall
Barb McCrow in charge
Angel Sale
Friday, September 15, 2006
Thrifty Smile Cards
Smile Cards good until December 2006
We have received a huge benefit from the Thrifty Smile Card program since December of 2005.
Thrifty's will be revising the program effective January 2007.
We can use our current cards until December 2006. We still have about 30 cards left and it is really worthwhile using them for the remaining 3 months of the program.
If you have lost yours and need a new one or you know someone who would like one, email Mary at bomford@island.net and cards will be mailed to you.
The Smile Card program will continue in a new form. We are not sure if we will qualify under the new program but we are immensely greatful to Thrifty's for the benefits we received this year. You could express your thanks when you use your card.
We have received a huge benefit from the Thrifty Smile Card program since December of 2005.
Thrifty's will be revising the program effective January 2007.
We can use our current cards until December 2006. We still have about 30 cards left and it is really worthwhile using them for the remaining 3 months of the program.
If you have lost yours and need a new one or you know someone who would like one, email Mary at bomford@island.net and cards will be mailed to you.
The Smile Card program will continue in a new form. We are not sure if we will qualify under the new program but we are immensely greatful to Thrifty's for the benefits we received this year. You could express your thanks when you use your card.
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Students in Malawi
African Angels, our community contact group in Mzuzu, Malawi, is funding schools fees for children orphanned by AIDS. The funding is provided by Aids Angels, Victoria and Seeds for Malawi, Saltspring. These girls are attending high school with the support of African Angels.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
A Letter from a Young Angel Maker
Heather lives on Pender and made angels with Mary, a member of one of our sister groups. Heather is 10 years old.
Dear Mary,
Thank you for letting me make “Aids Angels” with you and Andrea.
With each pieace added onto the Angel deep down I know that I have done a good deed. With the sales of the dolls, People in Africa are being given aid. Some people might think “Who cares? We have a good life it’s not our fault if they don’t have food and water.” But when we’ve made even just one “Aids Angel” and then turn on the TV and see those shows abouting giving aid to people in Africa, we know we’ve done a good deed. Thank you for giving me a richly deserving chance at doing my part for the world, Thanks again,
yours truly,
Heather
P.S I saw both my angels in the disaply window at the Driftwood. Oh how I felt!
Dear Mary,
Thank you for letting me make “Aids Angels” with you and Andrea.
With each pieace added onto the Angel deep down I know that I have done a good deed. With the sales of the dolls, People in Africa are being given aid. Some people might think “Who cares? We have a good life it’s not our fault if they don’t have food and water.” But when we’ve made even just one “Aids Angel” and then turn on the TV and see those shows abouting giving aid to people in Africa, we know we’ve done a good deed. Thank you for giving me a richly deserving chance at doing my part for the world, Thanks again,
yours truly,
Heather
P.S I saw both my angels in the disaply window at the Driftwood. Oh how I felt!
A letter from Maria Ndolo
Maria receives funding for her school fees from African Angels. Her fees are covered by our sister group on Saltspring Island. She lives in Mzuzu, Malawi and responded to a request for a letter describing her situation and her hopes.
I am Maria Ndolo. I was born on 20th October 1991 at St. John's Hopsital here in Mzuzu and I am the fourth born of our family of five.
Life was going well with me when I was below 14 years. But my father was expelled from his job, not because of doing bad things but because he felt sick. He died on 20th July 2005. My mother was trying her best to find means of finding school fees but it was always difficult to make it for all of us in our family.
It has been my dream that I will be a lawyer one day and I thank God that he sent the African Angels to my rescue and I know I will acheive my goal.
I am Maria Ndolo. I was born on 20th October 1991 at St. John's Hopsital here in Mzuzu and I am the fourth born of our family of five.
Life was going well with me when I was below 14 years. But my father was expelled from his job, not because of doing bad things but because he felt sick. He died on 20th July 2005. My mother was trying her best to find means of finding school fees but it was always difficult to make it for all of us in our family.
It has been my dream that I will be a lawyer one day and I thank God that he sent the African Angels to my rescue and I know I will acheive my goal.
Splenda for Splendid Angels
Do you use Splenda?
Could you keep the boxes? They have a lovely silver lining that some angel makers are using as a base for glitzy angel bodies. Bring them along to angel making sessions or email Mary at bomford@island.net for directions for other drop off opportunities.
Could you keep the boxes? They have a lovely silver lining that some angel makers are using as a base for glitzy angel bodies. Bring them along to angel making sessions or email Mary at bomford@island.net for directions for other drop off opportunities.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Positively Africa
This will be of interest to Aids Angel makers. We are a group that makes direct community to community contact with our projects. Peggy and Peter will talk about the value of this kind of connection compared to working with much larger organizations.
positively
Who – Peggy Frank and Peter Bardon - “positively
What – Peter and Peggy will talk about their experiences and connections in
Where – The Garth Homer Foundation Centre at
When – 7pm on Friday Sept. 22, 2006
For more information call Peter and Peggy – 250 -537-7064 or 250-519-0040
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Message from Malawi
Email from Teddy Phiri,
our Malawi contact
It is pleasing to hear of the great interest of people in the work of AAA. (African Aids Angels). Sometimes I can not believe what we have achieved over time in terms of your mobilisation of people in Canada to be involved in AAA fund raising activities. Reflect back on that dinner evening at your house. We could not imagine that today many people are benefitting in Malawi.
our Malawi contact
It is pleasing to hear of the great interest of people in the work of AAA. (African Aids Angels). Sometimes I can not believe what we have achieved over time in terms of your mobilisation of people in Canada to be involved in AAA fund raising activities. Reflect back on that dinner evening at your house. We could not imagine that today many people are benefitting in Malawi.
Teddy
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Angel Sales
Angel Christmas Sales
The pre-Christmas season is the busiest time of the year for angels sales.
The new Westshore mall (formerly CanWest) is booked for Nov. 2,3,4. Anne Lowan is in charge and already coming up with creative plans. Contact Anne at jalowan@shaw.ca to help with selling.
Hillside Mall has given us Nov. 24,25,26. This is when Santa Claus arives so we will have a good crowd. Barb McCrow is in charge. Contact her at bmckrow@shaw .ca and choose your shift.
Other locations are University Heights and the Youth Craft Fair at Pearkes. We are looking for coordinators for those sales. Think about it. Contact Mary at 727-0226 or bomford@island.net if you are interested.
The pre-Christmas season is the busiest time of the year for angels sales.
The new Westshore mall (formerly CanWest) is booked for Nov. 2,3,4. Anne Lowan is in charge and already coming up with creative plans. Contact Anne at jalowan@shaw.ca to help with selling.
Hillside Mall has given us Nov. 24,25,26. This is when Santa Claus arives so we will have a good crowd. Barb McCrow is in charge. Contact her at bmckrow@shaw .ca and choose your shift.
Other locations are University Heights and the Youth Craft Fair at Pearkes. We are looking for coordinators for those sales. Think about it. Contact Mary at 727-0226 or bomford@island.net if you are interested.
Angel Body Parts
Hair, Wings, Fabric and Tags
Join us Saturday, Sept 16 at St. Aidans, 3703 St. Aidans Street, from 10 til noon.
We need to stock up on angel parts to be ready for making angels to meet the Christmas rush.
Come join us and learn how the angel components are made. We will have four centers. You can move around and try all the different tasks.
This is for all of those who say, "Oh I m not so creative!" If you have never made an angel, come and make the components. Everyone is welcome.
We are looking forward to a big crowd. St. Aidans craftroom has lots of space. Check your map. It s near Mt. Tolmie but a little tricky to find.
See you there!
Join us Saturday, Sept 16 at St. Aidans, 3703 St. Aidans Street, from 10 til noon.
We need to stock up on angel parts to be ready for making angels to meet the Christmas rush.
Come join us and learn how the angel components are made. We will have four centers. You can move around and try all the different tasks.
This is for all of those who say, "Oh I m not so creative!" If you have never made an angel, come and make the components. Everyone is welcome.
We are looking forward to a big crowd. St. Aidans craftroom has lots of space. Check your map. It s near Mt. Tolmie but a little tricky to find.
See you there!
Autumn Aids Angels
Fall Aids Angels Schedule
The autumn nip is in the air. Please keep checking the dates below as you plan your fall schedule.
This will be updated regularly.
New Horizon's in James Bay, and the parishes of Holy Cross and St. Aidans in Saanich have donated us their spacious, well-lit facilities for making angels. We will use these locations regulary but still enjoy the warmth of volunteers homes once in a while. Special thanks to Susanne for her gracious hospitality.
We are trying to alternate between Saanich and Victoria locations to provide locations that are closer to your home.
Sept. 19: 7 -9 p.m.
Holy Cross Parish Center) next to church, 4049 Gordon Head Rd.
Angel Making
October 2
Monday 6:30- 8:30 (Note Time!!)
James Bay New Horizons
234 Menzies
just north of Thrifty's James Bay
Angel Making
Oct. 25th: 7-9 p.m.
Susannes, 1273 Fairlane Terrace
Angel Making
Nov. 6
Monday, 6:3- 7:30
James Bay New Horizons
234 Mnezies
just north of Thrifty's James Bay
Angel Making
Nov. 2,3,4
Westshore Mall
Angel Sale
Nov. 24, 25, 26
Hillside Mall
Angel Sale
The autumn nip is in the air. Please keep checking the dates below as you plan your fall schedule.
This will be updated regularly.
New Horizon's in James Bay, and the parishes of Holy Cross and St. Aidans in Saanich have donated us their spacious, well-lit facilities for making angels. We will use these locations regulary but still enjoy the warmth of volunteers homes once in a while. Special thanks to Susanne for her gracious hospitality.
We are trying to alternate between Saanich and Victoria locations to provide locations that are closer to your home.
Sept. 19: 7 -9 p.m.
Holy Cross Parish Center) next to church, 4049 Gordon Head Rd.
Angel Making
October 2
Monday 6:30- 8:30 (Note Time!!)
James Bay New Horizons
234 Menzies
just north of Thrifty's James Bay
Angel Making
Oct. 25th: 7-9 p.m.
Susannes, 1273 Fairlane Terrace
Angel Making
Nov. 6
Monday, 6:3- 7:30
James Bay New Horizons
234 Mnezies
just north of Thrifty's James Bay
Angel Making
Nov. 2,3,4
Westshore Mall
Angel Sale
Nov. 24, 25, 26
Hillside Mall
Angel Sale
Monday, August 21, 2006
Fear of Hair
A critical link (or curl) in the chain
Wouldn't you like to watch TV without guilt?
Make your TV time productive!
Learn how to put on Angel hair.
When you come to make angels, you just pick up that pre-prepared angel body and your creative juices flow, but, someone had to put hair on it.
We are immensely greatful to four volunteers who have been steadily putting hair on angels. Its time to lighten their load.
If you have reasonably steady hands and can set aside one or two hours of TV or DVD time to give the angels their hair you will become a very important link in the angel production team. You can do it at home. No meetings, no gas to burn. We admit its not the most exciting job in the world but we can't do without it.
Contact Anne at jalowan@shaw .ca or phone 744-3996 if you are interested.
UPDATE: workshop at St. Aidan's Sept. 16. See post above.
Wouldn't you like to watch TV without guilt?
Make your TV time productive!
Learn how to put on Angel hair.
When you come to make angels, you just pick up that pre-prepared angel body and your creative juices flow, but, someone had to put hair on it.
We are immensely greatful to four volunteers who have been steadily putting hair on angels. Its time to lighten their load.
If you have reasonably steady hands and can set aside one or two hours of TV or DVD time to give the angels their hair you will become a very important link in the angel production team. You can do it at home. No meetings, no gas to burn. We admit its not the most exciting job in the world but we can't do without it.
Contact Anne at jalowan@shaw .ca or phone 744-3996 if you are interested.
UPDATE: workshop at St. Aidan's Sept. 16. See post above.
The Generosity of Scissors
Scissors Request
We have had a great response to the request for scissors! Thanks to all those who donated them.
We have a good supply of pinking shears now and hope that you'll enjoy using them for fabric trimming at the dressing sessions.
We have had a great response to the request for scissors! Thanks to all those who donated them.
We have a good supply of pinking shears now and hope that you'll enjoy using them for fabric trimming at the dressing sessions.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
FAQ's draft
We need your input:
Check out the FAQ's draft.
Do you have other questions?
Are the answers here complete and clear for you?
Reply to Anne at jalowan@shaw.ca and copy to Mary at bomford@island.net
This will eventually become part of our website.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the African AIDS Angels
- How do you transfer the funds to
Funds are transferred directly from our AAA Victoria account to the bank accounts of our four projects.
- How do you distribute your funds?
Our funds are divided equally among the four projects and sent two or three times a year.
- How do you know how the funds are being used?
Our board members have personal connections with each project. Several visits have been made to the projects and regular reports are provided by email and telephone.
- Why did you choose those four projects to support?
The four projects were chosen because six of our board members have lived, worked or traveled in
- What kinds of projects do you support?
African Aids Angels support people who are affected by AIDS in sub-Saharan
- Are you open to supporting other projects?
At this time the needs of our four projects continue to grow. We do not have the resources to expand beyond our current commitments. We are open to other groups outside the Vancouver Island area, using our model to raise funds for other AIDS projects in sub-Saharan
7. Are you a charity and can I get a tax receipt for my donation?
African Aids Angels is a registered society in B.C. We are not a registered charity with the federal government and therefore ineligible to provide charitable tax receipts.
8. How many volunteers are there in the organization?
Our
9. What do your volunteers do?
Our volunteers make and sell angels, search out donated materials and prepare them for angel making, speak to educational and service organizations, and support the growth of new groups.
10. Do you have paid staff?
All our staff is volunteer.
11. What percentage of your funds goes to AIDS relief?
On average 93% of the funds raised go to our four projects.
12. Is African Aids Angels Victoria the only Angel group?
There are groups in
13. I am a teacher. Can someone do a workshop for my class? What kind of information would be provided?
We do presentations for schools. We work with the teacher to provide age appropriate AIDS information for the class. We will assist with angel making provided that the teacher makes arrangements for the sale of the angels as part of the presentation.
14. This is such a huge pandemic. How can you make a difference?
We believe in the Japanese proverb that thousands of individual snowflakes will come together with enough weight to break a branch. We are one of thousands of small groups that together are making a difference.
15. Why are you sending money to
We have respect for all groups that support anyone in need. Many of our members support homeless people through local organizations. AAA is focused on AIDS relief in sub-Saharan
16. Is this a religiously based project?
We are not a religiously based organization. We are supported generously by many local churches. Our projects in
17. I would like to go to
We do not arrange volunteer placements. Some of our projects occasionally accept volunteers but these arrangements must be made on an individual basis.
18. How can I get involved? How can my sister in
In the
Outside of the
Aids Background
Check the CBC website for information on the Toronto Aids Conference.
http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/08/13/aids-conference.html
http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/08/13/aids-conference.html
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