While volunteering at the end of 2005 with Hospice in the town of Knysna, I went with Rhona every Monday and Thursday afternoon to volunteer at the HIV Youth Support Group. This group of children inspired me so much that it is hard to describe. Each of them has been through so much, yet they still have hope. They are doing everything they can to rise above their circumstances. Many of the children are HIV positive themselves (from birth) or someone in their family is HIV positive. This group provides them with the crucial emotional support that they need.

They are so grateful for everything; just me being there gave them joy. Last year all I could do was to give them my love and that meant so much to each of them. I consider these children as my own. I don’t think there is anyone that could meet these beautiful souls and not be moved.

When I arrived this year, the joy was incredible on both sides. Just seeing their sweet smiles gave me so much joy. We bought each one of them a brand new backpack and filled it with school supplies and all types of goodies. We put the name of each child on their backpack, so that they would feel special. They all opened their bags at once and the happiness in the room had a texture! It is an incredible feeling to give people things that you know they need and the joy that it brings them is worth all the money in the world.

The kids told me that they needed a space for the support group to meet each week. They have outgrown the church that they meet in now. It is also important to have a space of their own, so that they can create the right atmosphere for the support group. They are doing car washes on the weekends to raise money for the building. If you choose to donate to the HIV support group your money will to providing supplies for that building. Help these children help themselves.

Sincerely,

Sarah Fennel
Founder of Restore Humanity