This article is from page 32 of the 2007-05-29 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 32 JPG
NEXT bank holiday Monday why not relax in the name of a good cause.
A local branch of Aids Partnership with Africa (APA) will hold a pam- pering day and craft fair fundraiser at the West County Hotel on June 4. The aim of the event is to raise mon- ey for Aids orphan programmes in Ethiopia and Tanzania.
A wide range of relaxing pamper- ing treatments from Indian head massage to hand and foot reflexology will be available on the day. Entry fee 1s €30 and once inside patrons can sample as many of the therapies on offer as they wish.
Among the services available are a number of health and exercise thera-
pies such as African reflexology, iri- dology, angel card readings, bio-en- ergy, reiki, metamorphic technique, integrated energy, Bowen therapy and transference healing.
Life coaches and beauty consult- ants will also be on hand to provide one-to-one Sessions.
There will also be plenty of musical entertainment, helping to enhance an atmosphere of relaxation and heal- ing.
A craft fair showcasing the tal- ents of local craft workers will open at llam. All items are hand made and will be on sale. The pampering therapies begin at lpm and run until BET
There is a serious side to the day with all proceeds from the event
going towards the Irish registered charity APA, to help fund projects in Ethiopia and Tanzania. Fr Owen Lambert, a Holy Ghost priest, set up APA in 2002.
Having worked in east Africa for over 30 years he witnessed first hand the devastating effect the Aids pan- demic was having on whole commu- nities.
He was particularly touched by the plight of children orphaned by AIDS. In response to their growing plight he established the APA. Its policy is to work in partnership with governments, both at local and na- tional levels.
It funds leadership and training to facilitate communities to respond to the Aids crisis in a local and sustain-
able way, respecting religious beliefs, values and principles.
APA also funds HIV/Aids infor- mation and prevention programmes. However the main focus is on Aids orphaned children.
Where possible these children are re-united with a member of their extended family otherwise they are cared for by foster families.
The APA programme subsidizes these foster families to provide the children with food, shelter, education and a chance to live a dignified life. All the proceeds of the Ennis pam- pering day will go towards the Aids orphans programmes in Ethiopia and Tanzania.
For more information log onto WWw.apa.ie