MEDIA RELEASE
07 November 2007
For immediate release
Australian High Commission helps orphaned children
The Australian High Commission has donated K30,000 to the Friends Foundation to help Papua New Guineans affected by HIV/AIDS, including orphaned children whose parents have died from the virus.
The money was raised through the Australian High Commission ball, held last month, as well as other fundraising activities involving High Commission staff and their families.
The K30,000 donation was handed to Tessie Soi, the founder of Friends Foundation, during a ceremony in Port Moresby last Friday.
Ms Soi was overcome with emotion, saying the money would help the foundation to focus on running its programs rather than having to work so hard on fundraising.
She added: “This money will also allow us to provide more frequent support group meetings and counselling services and also increase the financial support we provide to the orphans from K20 a fortnight to K20 a week.”
Australia’s High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Mr Chris Moraitis, said the donation was a good demonstration of the affection and concern that many ordinary Australians have for Papua New Guinea and its people.
He said: “All of this fundraising was done on a voluntary basis – I am immensely proud of the efforts of the High Commission community.
“The contribution to the Friends Foundation is in addition to the considerable amount of development assistance that the Australian Government provides to PNG to help combat HIV/AIDS.”
Friends Foundation supports people living with HIV/AIDS and combats the stigma and abuse they regularly face. It also conducts dignified burials for children who have died from HIV/AIDS but whose bodies lie unclaimed.
Media Inquiries: Leigh Arnold, Public Diplomacy Manager, T: 325 9333 ext 275