The Shady Tree foundation is currently working with the Isipho HIV/Aids Project in the rural town of Paterson South Africa. Through a combination of resources that include funding and education, we will help build an orphanage, fund an AIDS awareness and educational support group, and help provide the resources for an in home hospice care program for individuals and families infected and affected with the AIDS virus. We will also provide the tuition and meals for more than 300 children to attend all levels of school including a preschool that is often the only source of nutrition and structured playtime for many of these children on a daily basis.

Isipho is the Xhosa word meaning “gift”. It was established in 2002 by a support group of HIV/AIDS infected/affected people in the rural community of Paterson South Africa. Two of the original four from the support group have since passed away, but through sheer determination and love, they have created a safe house and support network for people living with HIV/AIDS, orphans and vulnerable children.

They currently have eight orphaned children living in the safe house who have either lost their parents to HIV/AIDS, been abandoned or have been removed from their home due to abuse or lack of a family member to care for them. There are at least an additional 15 more children in the community who need immediate help, but there is currently no room to bring them into the care of Isipho.
The currently facilities are about to be taken away from them, and do not currently meet the needs of the many people that need their help. Access to clean drinking water, the resources to maintain funding and support of feeding, educating and providing a safe place for more than 60 children a day is a struggle that is not being met by the volunteers of Isipho on their own. We at Shady Tree intend to change that!

Through assistance with funding, education, business & project management and the acquisition of a permanent facility to properly meet the goals and needs of the community, we will help Isipho and the community of Paterson change the way people look at charity. Through action, interaction and sustainability Isipho will be successful, but we need your help. Be a part of the change, donate, volunteer, and share your ideas! Every little bit helps. You can make a difference in someone’s life!

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