Submitted by Alison Gear-Current global statistics on HIV/AIDS are staggering. Over 20-million people have died; 40-million are infected, the majority of whom live in Africa. Within the next six years new waves of the pandemic are expected to reach other populous regions including India, China, and Eastern Europe.The socio-economic legacy of AIDS is almost incomprehensible: wage-earners and parents die leaving behind populations of orphans. UNICEF estimates that there will be up to 20-million AIDS orphans in sub-Saharan Africa by 2010.
To join in the growing global fight against AIDS, the United Church of Canada has launched an emergency appeal campaign to raise $1-million by the end of this year. Queen Charlotte United Church is giving our communities an opportunity to contribute.
On Saturday March 6, the church will host a Fine Dining Night offering the best of island cuisine and hospitality. If you enjoy superb food, candlelight, and the tinkling of fine china mingled with soft, classical piano then this is an event for you! Come on your own or bring a party of friends. Each table will be waited on by a personal server whose sole responsibility will be to make the most of your dining experience. Guests
will chose their entrees in advance when they purchase their tickets.
Freshly-baked bread, homemade soups, and crisp garden salad are also on the menu. Delectable desserts, made by some of the island's most renowned bakers, will be selected a la carte. Tickets are $25 each and must be purchased in advance from Sharon Ferguson-Hood 559-4559, Alison Gear 559-8026, Ivy Haralson 557-4255, or Gladys Noddin 559-4244. All proceeds will go directly to the church's partner organizations and NGO's for education, advocacy,
research, prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Tax-deductible donations would also be gratefully received.