Formal Party to Benefit Masai Project
November 15, 2007 - Campus Bulletin
The University's Masai Project is continuing its efforts to raise $100,000 for the fight against AIDS and poverty in Africa by hosting a "Moments of Magic" party at Manhattans Jazz Club, Nov. 16.
Tickets for the formal event are $20 and doors open at 9:30 p.m.
"The community's continued support towards this fundraising campaign has been overwhelming," said James VanderBerg, minister with the Multi-Faith Resource team and a member of the University's Masai Project committee. "It serves as a testimony to this community's concern for Africa and those who suffer at the hands of AIDS."
The University's Masai Project is part of a larger community effort to raise $1 million for an AIDS clinic in Lesotho, the epicentre of the AIDS epidemic in Africa.
The University's goal to raise $100,000 was set last fall. Volunteers began selling red and white bracelets across campus to raise funds, and since then the bracelets have been sold throughout the city, across the country and even in areas in the United States and Britain.
The bracelets are handmade by the Inina Craft Agency, a co-operative in Eshowe in KwaZulu-Natal. The co-op started as a poverty relief initiative, and its members are women who manufacture their products at home.
In addition to selling the $5 bracelets, the committee has hosted a formal dinner, pub nights, concerts and a public forum to raise money and awareness.
