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Summary: World Vision Canada is calling on Canadians to bring hope to 2,000 of the children orphaned in East Africa this World AIDS Day – just one of the regions in sub-Saharan Africa devastated by the global HIV/AIDS emergency.
[MISSISSAUGA, ON, 29 November 2005] – World Vision Canada is calling on Canadians to bring hope to 2,000 of the children orphaned in East Africa this World AIDS Day – just one of the regions in sub-Saharan Africa devastated by the global HIV/AIDS emergency. The agency is asking Canadians to pick up the phone, or go online on Thursday 1 December 2005 to sponsor a HopeChild, with the ultimate aim of bringing hope and assistance to the orphaned and vulnerable children in Africa affected by the disease. The children of East Africa are just a few of the millions affected by the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. HIV/AIDS has created 12 million orphaned and vulnerable children in sub-Saharan Africa – almost half the population of Canada – and it continues to disrupt lives and communities around the world. If nothing is done, this is expected to grow to 18 million by 2010. With over 40.3 million people infected with HIV/AIDS – more than the entire population of Canada, HIV/AIDS is an international humanitarian crisis that needs immediate attention and action. "World Vision Canada is calling on Canadians to mark World AIDS Day in an impactful way, through our HopeChild sponsorship programme," explains Dave Toycen, president of World Vision Canada. "By sponsoring one of sub-Saharan Africa’s 12 million orphaned and made vulnerable by the devastation HIV/AIDS has caused in Africa alone, Canadians can show their commitment to long-term sustainable solutions to this global emergency. If we pick World AIDS Day to concentrate our efforts and set a specific, realistic and attainable objective for World AIDS Day, together we can make a very big difference." In addition to the 2.3 million children infected (approximately half the population of the Greater Toronto Area), World Vision is committed to supporting the millions of children facing exploitation, illness, malnutrition and violence because of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. By providing support through programmes such as community workers, education for children, medical clinics and sexual health workshops, orphaned and vulnerable children are given hope of survival and a better life. "HIV/AIDS destroys more lives than just those infected. When a parent dies from HIV/AIDS, their children become the head of the household, responsible for providing clothing, food and shelter for their family," says Mr. Toycen. "Many of these orphaned and vulnerable children miss important life lessons that are traditionally passed down by parents and other family members, and are often exploited and discriminated against by their community members." About Hope Child Sponsorship A HopeChild lives in an area with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. They have been identified by their community as vulnerable, and require extra assistance. A HopeChild sponsorship ensures this extra need is met. For $40.00 per month Canadians can sponsor a HopeChild with monies going towards: Access to schooling as well as HIV/AIDS prevention education Nutritious food and clean water Care for orphans and vulnerable children and their families Resources to fight the stigma of HIV/AIDS and rebuild communities Training of volunteers to look after children's emotional, physical, and spiritual needs For more information, or to sponsor a HopeChild, visit www.WorldVision.ca. About World Vision’s Hope Initiative World Vision Canada’s Hope Initiative extends tangible hope to those affected by HIV/AIDS and aims to stop the spread and impact of the disease through Prevention, Care and Advocacy. Through its HIV/AIDS Hope Initiative, World Vision is committing itself to expanding and enhancing its response to HIV/AIDS worldwide. It interlinks people affected by HIV/AIDS and the on-the-ground support in affected communities with national and global advocacy strategies on HIV/AIDS to end stigma and mobilize research, resources and policies for treatment, care and prevention. More specifically it’s an international campaign that focuses on four key areas: Strengthening care for orphans and vulnerable children Reducing the vulnerability of women and girls to HIV/AIDS Increasing access to treatment and care Mobilizing resources for expanded HIV/AIDS response "With 8,000 people dying each day from HIV/AIDS, and out of that one child dying every minute, there is no doubt that we are in a state of emergency," adds Toycen. "While the statistics are grim, there is hope and we are counting on Canadians to do their part and help us support the families and communities ravaged by the HIV/AIDS pandemic – one child, one family, and one community at a time." Why Canadians Need to Help Surviving orphans and vulnerable children need comfort, guidance and financial help. In many cases, these orphans and vulnerable children are the head of their household and lack the life lessons passed down from parents and grandparents. HopeChild sponsorships gained during this campaign will help World Vision Canada provide life essentials, and HIV/AIDS prevention education, special health care, orphan care and advocacy to help rebuild communities. About World Vision Canada World Vision is an international, Christian humanitarian aid and development organization active in more than 90 countries around the world, providing help to more than 85 million people each year. For more information on World Vision Canada, please visit: www.WorldVision.ca.