HIV/AIDS is devastating communities around the world--15 million children have already lost at least one parent to AIDS-related diseases; the numbers who have lost both parents to AIDS is predicted to reach a staggering 9.6 million by 2010.

On WORLD AIDS DAY, DECEMBER 1st, Women of Vision-Monterey Bay Chapter is once again participating in World Vision's annual AIDS Walk for Orphans. We will walk for one hour, approximately 6,000 steps, on behalf of the 6,000 CHILDREN WHO ARE ORPHANED BY AIDS EVERY DAY.

By sponsoring us today, your gift will directly benefit AIDS orphans in Malawi, Africa, a country hard hit by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. In Mkawa, the village we are sponsoring in Malawi, 75% of the children are orphaned or vulnerable. Sibling "heads of household" are common--children raising children. Widowed grandmothers are raising large numbers of orphaned grandchildren, with no means of support.

The HIV/AIDS pandemic is the primary reason so many Mkawa children have lost their parents. Look at what your support will do:

 

• Educate the Mkawa community and family members about the needs and rights of orphans and vulnerable children, including protection, health, education, and child development, as well as HIV/AIDS education.
• Provide training and HIV/AIDS education to Caregivers within the community.
• Fight food scarcity by improving agricultural production, thereby improving the nutrition for households caring for orphans and vulnerable children. Thanks to last year's support, this year's malnutrition rates were less than two percent!

YOU CAN MAKE YOUR TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION RIGHT NOW BY CLICKING ON THE "GIVE NOW" BUTTON ABOVE.

Thank you for your interest in and contributions to World Vision's AIDS Walk for Orphans. Each year we are amazed at how far 6,000 steps can go!

JOIN US...Friday, Dec. 1st, we will be meeting at 5 pm in downtown Santa Cruz at the Town Clock end of the Pacific Garden Mall. At 5:30, we will begin our hour-long walk of 6,000 steps, one step for each child orphaned that day by this devastating disease.
For more info, contact Suzanne Otvos, (831) 684-0574, sotvos@yahoo.com

MONTE VISTA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL students have raised $3,800.00! Thank You!!!