Ja: Canadian benefit for juvenile AIDS victims

AN ESTIMATED 5,000 children are orphaned in Jamaica because of HIV/AIDS, and in 2002, there were 60 new cases of HIV/AIDS among children in the country.

Those were some of the hard facts presented to the audience that gathered for a benefit concert and dinner last Saturday night at the Jamaican Canadian Association centre to raise funds for Jamaican children suffering from HIV/AIDS. Fabian Thomas, co-ordinator for the Montego Bay chapter of the Jamaica AIDS Support (JAS), said the Jamaican community in Toronto was the first to host this overseas outreach.

Speaking at the concert, Mr. Thomas said, "Between 12,000 and 15,000 are currently at risk of losing their parents because of HIV/AIDS. HIV is a human issue, it is a people issue, so your generous support is needed."

Mr. Thomas said similar fund-raising efforts are to be launched in the United States and England. The concert was a joint venture by Majorem Enterprises Inc., Club Paradise Restaurant and Night Club and the Kiwanis Club of South St. Catherine, Jamaica.