The Karuna Connection is a fundraising initiative supporting the welfare of children affected by HIV/Aids in South Africa. It donates to Cotlands, a specialist residential facility in Johannesburg caring for some 40 children aged three to six. Many are HIV/Aids orphans or have been abandoned as a result of AIDS. Both communication designer Fernando Travieso and I offered our services free of charge to realise the fundraising site for supporters SMC Networks and Accton Technology Corporation.
- WEB COPY: Ian Castle, Freelance Copywriter
- SITE DESIGN: Fernando Travieso
Charity copywriting sample: Karuna Connection website
About Karuna
'Karuna' is an ancient Sanskrit word.
It describes any action taken to diminish the suffering of others.
In South Africa, thousands of children are suffering.
They are affected by HIV and AIDS.
Many are orphaned by the disease - left homeless, vulnerable and afraid.
Some orphans are themselves living with the HIV/AIDS virus.
The Karuna Connection is a fundraising initiative to give these children security, reassurance, education and care.
From a childhood beset with despair, we help AIDS orphans rediscover life.
Who we help
Karuna Connection funds support 'Educare' - a program for children affected by HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa.
The support is delivered through Cotlands, a non-profit organisation providing care in seven communities.
The Educare program provides residential care and school education for around 40 children from 3-6 years old.
60% of these children are AIDS orphans - either through bereavement, or because they have been abandoned.
Half the children in Cotlands' care are HIV positive; yet with antiretroviral treatment, a child's quality of life dramatically improves. Their prognosis is good.
The remaining children are healthy. In time, they return to the community - either to be reunited with relatives, or to become adopted or fostered.
The cost of providing Educare for one child for one month is R450 - R112.50 per week.
What you should know
There's plenty we should all know. Unfortunately, few of us do.
In South Africa:
- Every 14 seconds a child is orphaned by AIDS
- 70,000 babies per year are born with HIV/AIDS
- Although 30% of people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide reside in Southern Africa, the region accounts for less than 2% of the world's population
- Of the 3.1 million AIDS deaths worldwide in 2002, 2.4 million were in South Africa
Globally:
- 37 million adults and 3 million children are infected
- There are 14,000 new infections each day
- 40% are 15-24 years old, 2000 are under 15
What will make a difference?
You will. By supporting The Karuna Connection, you will be helping to:
- Educate people to reduce infection
- Give those orphaned by AIDS a life with opportunity and hope
- Support HIV/AIDS children with expert medical care and effective medication
- Celebrate life - one day at a time