Blanket-maker assists orphans of HIV/AIDS

Orphans of HIV/AIDS will enjoy more warmth this winter - thanks to readers' support for the work of The Star's Operation Snowball and blanket-makers Aranda Textiles.

Yesterday, eighteen orphans of HIV/AIDS growing up in child-led homes in Protea Glen and Silverton, outside Soweto, were handed fluffy blankets sponsored by Aranda Textiles. The first of thousands of recipients this winter, they had been identified for assistance by Ekageng Etireleng, a non-profit organisation caring for Aids-affected and infected children.
Like Operation Snowball, Ekageng Etireleng survives entirely on donations.

Aranda Textiles has this year donated 3 000 blankets to Operation Snowball for distribution to various organisations for the needy.

"We feel we have to give something back to those who've been supporting us and we hope the blankets will bring a lot of comfort to them," said Tom Kritzinger, Aranda's marketing and sales director.

The handing over of blankets took place ahead of Nedbank's drive today to get its clients to donate blankets and warm clothes. The bank's staff will wear pyjamas to work to promote its campaign, and all branches will be ready to receive donations.

The bank's project will run for the rest of the month. Nedbank has promised to match, rand-for-rand, any monetary donation made by the public.

Game stores in Gauteng will also be collecting and donating blankets to Operation Snowball.