Halton YMCA have started a project in partnership with Cosmopolitan. The project consists of raising funds for orphans and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Mangalore India.

Mangalore is situated in Karnataka, India. There is a YMCA there and was started in 2003 with one child. This now provides support to 59 young children of which 30 of these children receive care in the community and 29 at home.

SAMVEDANNA Orphanage currently cares for and supports children from the following backgrounds: Children orphaned by HIV and AIDS HIV positive children Children with HIV positive parents who are both positive and negative to the virus.

The programme currently has a care and support centre. The staff team comprises of 1 co-ordinator, 3 paramedic staff, 1 cook and 2 assistants.

Whilst at the centre the following are provided to the Young children: Shelter, Love and protection Health Care Education of children Nutritional care Hospitalisation and medical attention Palliative care.

Halton YMCA and Cosmopolitan donated £2000 for urgently required medical supplies. The YMCA will endeavour to donate at this as the minimum amount each year.

On Monday 18th June 2007 the YMCA hosted an AIDS awareness day for the residents to be educated on the subject of AIDS and HIV. The day was very successful and residents gained knowledge and understanding of how this can affect us.

HALTON YMCA ARE ORGANISING A PARACHUTE JUMP AND REQUIRE SPONSORS SO THAT WE CAN DONATE MORE FUNDING TO GO TOWARDS MEDICAL SUPPLIES THAT ARE URGENTLY REQUIRED.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SPONSORING OUR STAFF TO PARACHUTE JUMP PLEASE CONTACT MIKE HUGHES ON 01928 591680 OR EMAIL haltonymcatraining@haltonymca.org.uk Thank you for your time in reading this article.