The Swaziland Project

Antonette Gaffney

My name is Antonette Gaffney, and I would like to introduce a project I have been developing over the last few months that aims to provide much-needed assistance, support and comfort for the Swazi people.

Through my former experiences from working with the United Nations Association of Australia (Victorian Division), I was exposed to a number of sensitive human rights and social justice issues in the world such as global warming, the rights and risks of refugees, the Middle East Peace Process and the spread of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa. Whilst these are all significant issues in today’s society, it was the AIDS issue that particularly saddened and concerned me.

Through numerous emails and correspondence with HIV/AIDS focussed organisations in Swaziland such as The Swaziland National Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS, The AIDS Information and Support Centre and the UN Theme Group on HIV/AIDS in Swaziland, I learned just how severe and desperate the needs of the Swazi people are and was able to determine Swaziland’s biggest and most urgent needs: food assistance, clothing, contraceptives and home-based palliative care items.

In order to help provide Swaziland’s NGO’s with the assistance they desperately need, I am running a Melbourne-based project in conjunction with The Swaziland National Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS to gather supplies, funds and donations for the Swazi people. This project endeavours to transport as many kilograms as we can of much-needed non-perishable food items, clothing, screen projectors, contraceptives and home-based needs such as soap, Vaseline and tissues to help these people get back on their feet and begin their journey to a better quality of life.

What we hope to achieve from this project is to offer whatever support we can (despite how minimal it may be in the larger context) in the knowledge that it will provide a small amount of comfort and support for the children, families and communities suffering under the impacts of HIV/AIDS, while reminding them that they have not been forgotten.

A full report, together with photographs of all the wonderful donations being appreciated and enjoyed by the Swazi people will also be posted up on this website upon arrival of the shipment in Swaziland’s Capital, Mbabane.

I intend to finance the initiative by seeking corporate assistance and also personal fundraising efforts. To date I have received support from Recreation Health Clubs who are assisting me in conducting a ‘donation food box program’ where members can donate imperishable food, or home-based goods that are of critical importance to the people of Swaziland.

I have also received significant donations of knitted clothing, dolls and toys - as many as I can carry! - for the children of Swaziland from The Australian AIDS Fund Incorporated from their ‘knitting projects and plans’ program.

Our appreciation also to Australian Therapeutic Supplies Pty Ltd of North Strathfield, NSW, for its generous donation of condoms...a critical gift indeed!

Another Australian company that's joined the cause is 'Natural Cow Designs' (http:www.naturalcowdesign.com.au) . It's designed posters and flyers for the project's fundraising movie as a special donation.

Click here to view the poster (attached)

'Many thanks also to Gerald Galatis and Galatis Pharmacy Amcal Chemist, Carnegie, (Victoria) for their generous donation of much needed home-based care items such as tissues, soap, anti-bacterial hand wash and antiseptic. Their assistance will further our goals of providing those communities suffering under the HIV/AIDS epidemic with the basic necessities to offer them comfort and relief.'

Our first fundraiser evening will be held at Cinema Nova, 380 Lygon Street Carlton.

Date: Thursday 13th March, 2008
Time: 6.30pm for a 7pm start
Cost: $25 (includes movie Premiere of 'Death Defying Acts', nibbles and drinks)

Flash...14/3/08 "Thank you to all those wonderful people who attended the Swaziland Fundraiser Movie Evening last night. The night was a huge success and we managed to achieve our fundraising goal for the night allowing us to cover all the courier costs to Swaziland. Whilst we still have a long way to go, last night was a great step forward in achieving our ultimate goals. Many thanks again -Antonette" It was a good opportunityt to showcase some of the many and various goods that have already been generously donated.

The food drive continues to attract lots of support and a host of variety! Many thanks to all donors and helpers.