FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Reston, VA--The incredible need to help children affected by HIV/AIDS in South Africa prompted a supporter of Global Camps Africa to match individual donations raised in the spring and summer 2008, dollar-for-dollar up to $46,664.  In response, within six short weeks, supporters of GCA has raised the $46,664 to match the original challenge gift.


The number was chosen in honor of Nelson Mandela who celebrated his 90th birthday in 2008. The number, 46,664, was Mr. Mandela’s prison number when incarcerated on Robben Island for his fight against apartheid. He was the 466th prisoner at Robben Island in 1964.


In the post-apartheid era, as AIDS spread throughout South Africa, Mr. Mandela refocused his energies to fight the pandemic using his prison number as a way to focus the crisis. “AIDS is no longer just a disease, it’s a human rights issue” said Mandela, who’s son died of AIDS in 2005.


“Unfortunately, statistics show that efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa are not keeping pace with the growth of the epidemic” said the donor, who wished to remain anonymous. “I selected Global Camps Africa because of the strength of its life skills education and prevention program and that the children go back into their communities and become teachers themselves” he said. “Anyone who has attended camp in the U.S. knows that the camp experience can be life changing.”

“We are deeply touched by this commitment of support for matching funds and extremely grateful for our supporters taking advantage of this donor’s generosity to virtually double the value of their own gift.” said Phil Lilienthal, President and CEO of Global Camps Africa.

“In a country where it is estimated that one half of all 15-year olds will die of AIDS, this gift and the matching gifts, will help to stem the tide of children being affected and infected with HIV/AIDS”, he added.

If you arre interested in establishing your own matching gift challenge, contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call us at 703.437.0808.

Also, donations to GCA can be made online at www.GlobalCampsAfrica.org or can be mailed to Global Camps Africa, 1606 Washington Plaza, Reston, VA 20190.

Austin, Texas. More than 500 people attended the standing room only sold-out concert as Hilde Girls raised more than $12,000 to aide HIV/AIDS affected children in South Africa by supporting Global Camps Africa, a camp that works with children between the ages of 10-15 years old living in South Africa.

 

 

Echoing the philosophy that one of the greatest gifts we can give one another is ourselves, The Hilde Girls with Susan Lincoln hosted a celebration concert in April in Austin to benefit Global Camps Africa and to raise awareness and support for the children of Africa affected by HIV/AIDS.

“Through this celebration concert, the Hilde Girls generously shared their gift of music with the Austin community and expressed the spirit of ‘umbutu’ to children half a world away” said Jean White of Global Camps Africa. “We are extremely grateful.” Umbutu is the Zulu word for ‘humanity.’

Hilde Girls was founded by Susan Lincoln, an inspiring singer, teacher, and visionary from Austin, Texas. In 1998 Lincoln, a trained opera singer visited Germany and the Abbey of Hildegard of Bingen. Hildegard was a 12^th Century visionary nun who received and wrote her music through meditation. Lincoln found the music to be so spiritually inspiring that she was determined to come back to Texas and teach the songs to other women.

Now, nine years later these songs along with others written by more contemporary artists are sung regularly with Lincoln’s leadership by the Hilde Girls, named after Hildegard. Once or twice a year, the Hilde Girls host celebrations and donate proceeds to a charity. Previous gifts have been given to Safe Place, GEN Austin and Save Our Springs Alliance.

“We wanted to focus on healing the Africa within each of us and the heart and soul of our planet by singing for children affected by AIDS, “said Lincoln. “One of our songs features awareness brought to the attention of the world by Nkosi Johnson, a young African boy who died of AIDS.”

“The Hilde Girls efforts are inspirational and we hope what they were able to accomplish will inspire others across the United States to follow their lead in showing that talents can be combined with a humanitarian heart to help save children’s lives in South Africa.”

“I cannot say enough good things about this camp and what it provides for these children” Lincoln said. “It is a true testament to the power of love and the power of One that each of us has within ourselves.”

For further information or to make a donation contact Global Camps Africa at:

Telephone: 703.437.0808

Mail: 1606 Washington Plaza, Reston, VA 20190

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

or you can donate directly online at www.GlobalCampsAfrica.org