Helping African AIDS Victims

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

This article submitted By Little Travelers Korea Branch

The purchase of one of these little creatures represents much more than another charity to support. It represents an idea that one grassroots community can directly impact positive change in the lives of another grassroots community. 100% of the proceeds of each doll make its way back to South Africa to support the one hundred crafters, their families, and their community. The project is a partnership with the Hillcrest AIDS Centre in the Kwa-Zulu Natal province, a province that is host to a 40% infection rate among adults alone.

The founding Little Travelers Chapter started with a small university community in Winnipeg, Canada, 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.

Each pin costs $5, or 5000 won. The entire initiative has raised over $130,000 with Korea representing over $4000 of that in four short months.

In Seoul, the pins are for sale at Indigo Restaurant in Haebangchon (near Noksapyeong Station) and Healing Hands Massage at Samgakji Station ( http://healinghands.co.kr/). For larger orders or mail orders, please email korea@littletravellers.net.

Please visit littletravellers.net to find out more about the project and the Chapter here in Korea.

We are all volunteers working together to make a difference. All operating costs and marketing costs are sponsored to ensure all the proceeds make their way to South African families. Anyone interested in becoming part of this grassroots opportunity through selling pins, organizing events, securing sponsors and retailers, or simply attending future events is encouraged to get in touch with us at korea@littletravellers.net.