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Help Make a Difference in the World

Make an Angel

History of the Project

In the summer of 2000, seven Canadians from Victoria and Ottawa travelled to the International AIDS conference in Durban, South Africa. The group visited hospitals and orphanages where children suffering from AIDS were being treated and cared for. However, the extreme lack of funds meant that services were being cut and children were needing more care than could be provided.

Seeing this unfolding tragedy, the Canadians decided to do what they could in a personal way. On their return to Canada they created the idea of making Aids Angels to raise funds. One group began in Ottawa and another in Victoria.

Each angel is made from simple materials, by volunteers and they sell for $7. Funds raised are sent to projects where the volunteers have direct, reliable, personal contacts. To date the two groups have sent $30,000 to African Aids Projects. Other groups have started their own projects as far afield as Prince Edward Island and Seattle.

Local Initiatives

A group of volunteers concerned about the devastation that AIDS has caused to individuals and the society of Sub-Saharan Africa have recently begun AIDS Angels-making workshops at Comox United Church.

The communities of Union Bay and Fanny Bay (and surrounding area) have had an opportunity to link with this important project due to the generous support of our local church.

Last Fall people of all ages and many occupations and faiths, who wanted to work with a small project that makes some difference to the lives of the people affected by the epidemic, came together at the Church in Union Bay to make AIDS Angels.

Each angel is made from basic materials, by volunteers, and they sell for $7. All proceeds from sales of the dolls support AIDS prevention, education and provide food, medicine, seeds, and other necessities of life to widows and orphans in Africa.

Anyone can make angels. Scraps of cloth, ribbons, leftover beads and anything else lying around in fabric drawers can be used to make beautiful and unique ornaments. Each angel has the traditional African name of a child who has been affected by AIDS. The names are translated into English.

"Angels are not longer being made in Union Bay due to
Monica's schedule; however, she hopes to start up the workshops again in
the near future. If anyone is interested in taking over a facilitation role
in the AIDS Angels making project for Union Bay or Fanny Bay, please
contact Monica."

For more information see http://www.wolfweb.ca/angels/aids-angels-for-africa.htm

or phone Monica 338-1444

To Purchase an Angel contact Monica 335-1414