1. The Sinikithemba Paediatric programme provides care and support to over 1,100 HIV-positive children. McCord Hospital has been providing quality healthcare to underserved communities around Durban for the past 100 years. The hospital’s HIV programme, Sinikithemba (which means ‘give us hope’ in isiZulu), provides medical, psychological and spiritual outpatient care to patients with HIV, in an environment of acceptance and support. With KwaZulu Natal being the epicentre of the world’s HIV/AIDS pandemic, there is a pressing need for programmes like this one, and McCord strives to be at the forefront of the fight against HIV/AIDS both now and into the future. The majority of the 1,100 children and teenagers in the Sinikithemba programme were born HIV-positive, with some becoming infected after birth, through blood-to-blood contact or rape. The children visit the hospital regularly – between once every two weeks and once every two months depending on their condition. During their all-day visit they have a number of appointments with different HIV-specialist doctors, they have their CD4 counts checked and they receive their ARV medication. These appointments can be at times traumatic for the children, as they can involve injections and blood samples. Instead of making them line up in a queue all day, their care-giver lines up whilst the children play in our Play Room. The Sinikithemba Play Room is staffed by two counsellors who provide a nurturing learning environment. The children participate in a range of games and activities throughout the day and enjoy a small meal at lunchtime. Instead of dreading their regular visits to the hospital, the children start to look forward to their time in the Play Room – seeing their friends and having fun. Many of the children in the programme come from very under-resourced backgrounds. Many of these children in need are provided sponsorship from individual donors, enabling them to continue to receive HIV care and treatment.

2. McCord is a Section 21 non- profit hospital. Please consider making a difference in a child’s life by getting involved. Contact: Olivia Brian, Fundraising Dept. Ph: 031 268 5882 Email: olivia.brian@mccord.co.za Sponsored food Donated foods that do not require prior preparation are required to feed roughly 60 children from Monday to Friday every week. These include juice mix, milk drinks, sweets, biscuits, fruit, donuts and cakes, chips, healthy snacks. In addition to this, we require R2,000 per month with which to purchase sandwiches from the hospital’s cafeteria for lunch. Donated items  Toys, books, crayons and games for children  Computers with educational software, and other equipment/activities/games for teenagers  Child-friendly furniture, incl plastic tables and chairs  Decorative and/or educational posters for the walls  Two sets of child-friendly curtains (3 x 1m & 1 x 2m)  Paper for drawing on and art supplies (including Khoki pens) Projects requiring sponsorship The jungle gym requires artificial grass beneath it. R15,000 is needed to level the ground and lay down artificial grass. Grandparents’ support group: On a quarterly basis, Sinikithemba hosts a support group meeting for the care- givers (most often Grandparents). Costs for 2010 are R5,200 for four support group meetings. End of year Christmas Party: The highlight of the Annual Calendar! At the end of each year is a Christmas party for all children involved in the programme. Sponsorship of gifts, food, decor, and entertainment is required in order for this to happen. The Christmas Party is expected to cost R20,000. Sponsor a Child HIV Care and Support costs R50 per child per month. This covers all medicines, doctors consultation and routine testing done. There are many children requiring sponsorship in 2010. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the Sinikithemba Children’s Play Room and how you can help us to provide a fun and stimulating Play Room environment for the children in our HIV programme.