Will match every dollar donated up to $46,664.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Reston, VA--The incredible need to help children affected by HIV/AIDS in South Africa has prompted a supporter of Global Camps Africa to match individual donations raised in the next six months, dollar-for-dollar up to $46,664.

The number was chosen in honor of Nelson Mandela who is celebrating his 90^th birthday this year. The number, 46,664, was Mr. Mandela’s prison number when incarcerated on Robben Island for his fight against apartheid. He was the 466^th 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 hope that others will take advantage of this donor’s generosity and 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.

Donations, and the opportunity to take advantage of the matching gift, can be made online at www.GlobalCampsAfrica.org or can be mailed to Global Camps Africa, 1606 Washington Plaza, Reston, VA 20190. For further information call 703.437.0808 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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