As World AIDS day approaches (1st December), Christmas shoppers are being urged to give virtual gifts that benefit sufferers of HIV and AIDS around the world – from HIV education through to giving condoms.
Over the last few Christmas seasons charities such as World Vision, Christian Aid and Oxfam have hit the headlines by arranging for sheep, goats and pigs to be sent to the developing world as a gift on someone else’s behalf. A card is then sent to your friend, relative or loved one for Christmas, telling them what has been given on theior behalf.
The aid agencies have now expanded the schemes to you can give to AIDS and HIV awareness projects in Africa, Eastern Europe and beyond.
Through World Vision you can give a HIV awareness pack, which is part of their awareness raising For HIV in Albania In Albania, World Vision works with community leaders to give young people information about HIV prevention. The gift provides materials for a dozen people in their workshops.
Oxfam are enabling shoppers to give condoms through their Oxfam Unwrapped present website. Both male and female condoms are accompanied by educational materials to make sure that they’re used correctly to help stop the spread of HIV. You can also help fund health education through schools and youth clubs, and to train mentors and young people to spread the word.
Finally, through Christian Aid, if you have a lot of money you can even fund a healthworker’s salary. PMRS advocate for access to health, run mobile clinics throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territories and delivers basic healthcare to isolated communities. A gift like this one could make the difference between life and death.
Visit World Vision alternative gifts for World AIDS day here
Visit Oxfam Unwrapped gifts for World AIDS Day here
Get Christian Aid gifts for World AIDS day from Present Aid here