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Dear Friends,

Despite the grip of winter there is a surprising expectant joy seeping from our many projects and friends spread across Kenya and South Africa. Somehow, there exists a sense of new life. Of springtime. Of additional lives touched by our many outreach programs; pregnant with purpose and hope-that lives can be improved and transformed. This is actually astounding… because currently life is desperately hard in Africa due to the worldwide fallout from wars, which have depleted the food and fuel security for many African children. 

But hope persists in lives the African AIDS Foundation is able to bless. Perhaps because we know that the darker the night, the brighter a small flicker of light will shine. 

Indeed, South Africa has sighed in relief that a federal May 2024 election miraculously came and went with minimal bloodshed. As a new coalition government forms, we can rejoice that the friends and teams of AAF have largely been unscathed.

Now the daily grind of African life resumes. Lives lived in quiet desperation as South Africa remains one of the most dangerous countries globally to survive childhood. Blessedly, these same young lives are those we sometimes touch with practical glimmers of hope, lovingly spun across the ocean, from a little charity in suburban Australia. A charity which yearns to transform and bless forgotten lives of the young in rural Africa. Thanks to you, dear reader.
(Photo: Rosalie Schwarz (board member) in Africa with mumsy proudly wearing one of Tim’s scarfs)

The African AIDS Foundation (AAF) is distinct on many levels. Namely that our foundation is run by tremendously dedicated volunteers out of our medical practice; which also absorbs all the mandatory administrative and bookkeeping tasks. Hence we are able to direct every cent raised from the public into our projects in Africa. (Click here to download an info graphic on the many arms of AAF)

We truly treasure every cent donated. We often give thanks for the widows mites which trickle into our bank account, and for children dropping off full money boxes and from many other faithful sources such as: 

  • funds from our regular monthly donors
  • funds which flow from recycled bottles dropped off at the Schwarz Family Practice.
  • funds  generated from our surgery tables of Koorong books, home grown succulents, knitted gifts, homemade cards and African crafts.
  • And this winter we celebrate the funds yielded by friends of AAF who purchase a snuggly new red scarf to celebrate all that we are in AAF!

Because today we are encouraging our supporters to embrace an initiative launched a few years ago by the long time friend of our foundation: Tim Pickles of Tim’s Garden centre.

Please consider buying a snuggly red scarf from our Schwarz Family Practice waiting room stall (located at 37 Hilder street, Elderslie) or from Tim’s Garden Centre (located at 2 Queen St, Campbelltown.)

Tim is a dedicated advocate of the foundation. He and his family have visited our projects and whilst there, Tim refined our vegetable garden workshops and blessed many with his wise advice regarding soil care. His creative idea of making, wearing and marketing a $5 red scarf to remember and support those in need has eased much pain by directing needed funds into our projects. Thank you Tim!

As the financial year approaches completion, please remember AAF. Your kind donations are fully tax deductible and will be gratefully received via our website, or in person at our medical practice.  

Snuggle up,

Dr Jane Gray
AAF board member