A Little in Korea goes a long Way for AIDS in South Africa

A Little in Korea goes a long Way for AIDS in South Africa

On coats, backpacks, sweaters and dangling from cell phones around Seoul are tiny symbols of hope for HIV/AIDS victims and their families in far-off South Africa. Nope, these aren't your ysyal AIDS bibbons. In fact they are much more adorable, fashionable, personable and profound. They are beaded people-like pins called Little Travellers.

Little travellers are beautiful beaded pins made by women affencted by HIV/AIDS in South Africa. Each pin is individually handcrafted and unique.

The purchase of one of these little creatures represnts much more than another charity to support. it represents an idea that one grassroots community can directly impact positive change in lives of another grassroots community. All of the proceeds of each doll make its way back to South Africa to support one hundred crafters, their families, and their community. The project is a partnership with the the Hillcrest AIDS Center in the KwaZulu-Natal province,; an area with one of the highest prevanlence of HIV in the world. For every little traveller that is sold, 40% goes to the crafter and 60% supports the Hillcrest AIDS Center which is constructing new Home Base Care, Counseling and Antiretroviral Units.

The founding Little Travellers Chapter started with a small university community in Winnipeg, Canadam two years ago. Since then, chapters have sprouted in almost every major city in Canada, south to North Carolina in the United States, and as of October 2007, across the ocean to South Korea.

The pins are for sale at Indigo Restaurant in Haebangchon, Healing Hands Massege at Samgakji Station(http://healinghands.co.kr/) and KHAP center in Gireum. Mail orders or volunteer requests can be place by emailing korea@littletravellers.net.