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O.P.A.A. raises concern, funds
The Organization for the Prevention of AIDS in Africa (O.P.A.A.) has raised almost $5,000 in support of the World AIDS Day campaign for hope.
O.P.A.A. representatives have had a booth in Atwood Memorial Center all week. They are providing information about AIDS while selling buttons and t-shirts to fundraise.
According to the information provided at their booth, 2.25 percent of the world’s population is infected with AIDS and an estimated 40,000 more people will be infected every year.
“Just by sitting here we’ve made over $300,” said Mittu Ejigu, a freshman who has yet to decide on a major.
Over the course of the week, they have raised about $500.
“We have some really dedicated members,” said Esthella Thorpe, the O.P.A.A. president who organized the week.
Their goal was to raise $10,000, but over the course of the year they raised about $5,000. Some of that was earned during Africa Night.
The money will be used to educate people about AIDS prevention and will be donated to three different organizations: the New Life Home in Kenya, St. Agnes Home in Tanzania and the Organization for Social Service for AIDS in Ethiopia.
The New Life Home provides care for babies born with AIDS.
The St. Agnes Home is a shelter for infants and children up to age 18 who have AIDS.
The Organization for Social Service for AIDS focuses on educating people about the disease and how its transmission can be prevented through safe sex.
“Women and children are not educated and (when the father dies of AIDS) they are the ones left with no money,” Thorpe said.
O.P.A.A., which has about 25-35 members, also participated in a 24-hour fast from 12 p.m. Tuesday until 12 p.m. Wednesday for pledges.
“We walked in part of their shoes,” Thorpe said. “Many of them go days without food. It was frustrating but made me understand.”
Late Friday afternoon there will be a vigil to remember those who lost their lives to AIDS.
O.P.A.A. will conclude the week with the World AIDS Day benefit. The benefit will be in Atwood Little Theater from 3-6 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $3 for students and $5 for faculty. Proceeds will go toward the three organizations. Each organization will be introduced and will give a short presentation. There will also be skits, a poem, a dance and a singer. The benefit will end with the presentation of the checks to the organizations.
Money was also raised through business donatations, snow shoveling and leaf raking.
This is the second year that students have raised money for AIDS awareness. Last year they raised $2,500 to buy medical supplies and to build homes for mothers and children with AIDS in Africa.
“I wanted to help out,” Thorpe said, “and getting more involved has helped my understanding of AIDS.”
Since there is no cure for AIDS, the best way to stop it from spreading is to educate people, she said.
O.P.A.A. will have a booth in Atwood Memorial Center today and Friday from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Buttons, t-shirts and tickets for the benefit will be available. Tickets can also be boaught at the door. For more information contact Kash at (320) 654-5462.
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