Vhutshilo Mountain School Newsletter - 2023
2/27/2023
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2022 was a busy year. Our goals, in how we provide services to our children and the community, were challenged. Reflecting back on the impact VMS made on the community, we are grateful to have been able to educate, feed and provide the necessary support needed to our vulnerable children and their families. Many than
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Vhutshilo Mountain School Term 3
11/12/2022
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Vhutshilo Mountain School has been buzzing with activity and, while positive academically, we have also faced a few challenging situations.
In July, Vhuthsilo Mountain students entered the Nzhelele East Circuit Spelling, Reading, and Storytelling Competition. VMS was represented by five students; two from Gr
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Vhutshilo Mountain School 2022 Newsletter Term 2
7/29/2022
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Read MoreVhutshilo Mountain School First Term 2022 Newsletter
3/19/2022
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“Take pride in how far you’ve come. Have faith in how far we can go. But don’t forget to enjoy the journey.” Michael Josephson
Thank you for sharing this journey with us! You are making a huge difference in our students lives and in the community we serve. It has been another busy first term of sch
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Vhutshilo Mountain School 4th Term Update
11/4/2021
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Update from VMS's Director:
Lockdown levels from Covid-19 fluctuated, effecting school activities through September 15th. Currently at a Level 1, children are allowed to participate in some physical activity (like dancing) subject to Covid-19 compliance. Also, children age 12 and older are now able to get
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Vhutshilo Mountain School 3rd Term Update
8/16/2021
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All staff received their Covid vaccine on the 9th of July and Vhutshilo Mountain School’s 3rd term began on the 26 of July. To date, staff and children are all healthy and well, as we continue to follow all Covid-19 protocols.
We have 63 students: 38 sponsored thank you! and 25 fee students. Our multi-gr
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Vhutshilo Mountain School
7/7/2021
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Vhutshilo Mountain School and Covid:
It is the middle of winter in Venda and weather patterns range from potentially cold and rainy to extremely hot days. Beginning the end of June, South Africa moved to Level 4 Covid status: no public gatherings, restaurants open only for takeaway, no alcohol sales an
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Vhutshilo Mountain School – February/April 2021 Newsletter
5/12/2021
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This year, with the odds stacked against us, we acknowledge the importance of providing Education, Social Welfare, Joy, and Hope in our children’s lives. Not only did COVID-19 expose the inequalities in the education system of South Africa, it worsened it to a crippling new level, where many children have stopped sc
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A Message from Vhutshilo Mountain School Director
12/30/2020
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Season’s greetings,
As this difficult year draws to end and 2021 remains so uncertain, I want to thank you for your belief in what we do and your many faceted supports, from words of encouragement, recognition of the work we do, expressions of concern and donation of food, money, clothing and resources.
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Feeding the school and community
9/17/2020
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VMS vegetable garden flourishes with vegetables which provides food for the school and families. This year alone there were 19 home vegetable gardens and VMS produced over 3000 seedlings. Half of the seedlings produced were donated to families in need.
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VMS Youth Community Outreach Program
9/6/2020
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Youth on a Mission
Thanks to a recent grant from Mercury Phoenix Trust UK, four of our peer educators have been employed. They are members of VMS HIV+ support group ‘Youth on a Mission.’ Their task is to address HIV/AIDS prevention amongst teenagers in the community.&n
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Currently at Vhutshilo Mountain School:
8/11/2020
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As you can imagine, things have been complicated in South Africa regarding children returning to schools and crèches (pre-schools). On the 6th of July 2020 Vhutshilo Mountain School re-opened for eight students in grade R and six students in grade 1. On the 31st of July we cl
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Vhutshilo Mountain School Supports Children and Families
5/6/2020
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While the country of South Africa is under lockdown and schools are closed, Vhutshilo Mountain School staff continue to provide assistance for vulnerable children and families.
Schooling continues as grade R and grade 1 learn from home with teachers keeping in touch with parents via phon
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2019 Vhutshilo Mountain School Update
4/18/2020
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PASSING AWAY OF OUR BELOVED DIRECTOR
After a long battle with Cancer our beloved director Ms. Sue Anne Cook (Suzi) passed away on the 1st November 2018. Her funeral was held in Johannesburg and on the 1st December 2018 VMS hosted
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HFL Funds a Pilot Program Supporting Women's Education and Health
6/27/2019
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In South Africa one third of girls drop out of school due to menstruation. HFL agrees with Joca Marinho, a Skills Facilitator, who claims that “It is not acceptable that a fundamental part of being a woman is a barrier to education.”
HFL and our funders believe that education and self-sustaining b
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Seven Zimbabwean Teenagers Have Been Living Under a Tree for Almost a Year
6/7/2019
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HFL is often asked, “Why should we support people who live so far away?” Our answer is simple. There are many worthwhile causes one could support. The most important lesson is not which one you support, but that you DO find a way to give back.
Everyone has a charity they believe in a
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2019 Vhutshilo Mountain School Newsletter
5/20/2019
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PASSING AWAY OF OUR BELOVED DIRECTOR
After a long battle with Cancer our beloved director Ms. Sue Anne Cook (Suzi) passed away on the 1st November 2018. Her funeral was held in Johannesburg and on the 1st December 2018 VMS hosted a memorial ser
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Happy New Year!
12/31/2018
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We at Hope For Limpopo appreciate and thank you for making 2018 great for the children and families of the Vhutshilo Mountain School.
Con
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Happy Holidays From The Children of Vhutshilo Mountain School!
12/24/2018
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Sharing a moving tribute to Vhutshilo Mountain School
12/2/2018
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If we are lucky in life, we all make at least one friend that inspires us.
That we love and respect and treasure. That’s what Sue Anne Cook meant to me. Our friendship goes back 28 years, when we met in Mozambique. She was the most under the radar and unassuming person I had ever met,
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World AIDS Day
12/1/2018
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Today HFL joins the world in commemorating the 30th anniversary of World AIDS Day that began in 1988 as a way of raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic.
While there’s no cure for HIV, major strides have been made in slowing the progression of the disease and today, a positive HIV diagnosis i
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Giving Tuesday
11/27/2018
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#GivingTuesday is a “global day of giving.” It is one of the best ways to highlight charitable giving. And ‘giving’ takes so many different forms. Whether it is the gift of time, a donation or sharing your voice, you are giving back.
Today we are highlighting a
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The Republican on Hope for Limpopo...
11/19/2018
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Children and teachers at Hope for Limpopo's Vhutshilo Mountain School. (HOPE FOR LIMPOPO)
Read the complete article on-line at masslive.com....
Hope for Limpopo is proof positive everyone can make a difference: Vie
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With Deep Sadness
11/2/2018
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Sue Ann Cook 4th September 1955 – 1st November 2018
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our dear friend, Sue Ann Cook, Founder and Program Director of the Vhutshilo Mountain School.
Sue Ann has always been a pioneer and an activist for the vulnerable and HIV and AIDS afflicted individuals livi
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Listen to Cristina on Voice of America
10/14/2018
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Listen to Cristina, long time supporter of Hope for Limpopo and Vhutshilo Mountain School, on Voice of America Radio as she discusses her experiences in Africa through 'Tales of an Ikut Swami.'
Cristina Kessler, author, photographer, and world traveler, has written both ficti
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Warm Blankets Donated by Aums Group...
7/9/2018
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Warm blankets for chilly Venda winters help keep Vhutshilo Mountain School Children warm. Thank you Aums Group!
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Positive Beads...
7/5/2018
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Beautifully made with beads created by women from Venda, South Africa, as part of an income generating project with Vhutshilo Mountain School.
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Vhutshilo Mountain School Celebration
6/27/2018
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Vhutshilo Mountain School children and staff celebration another successful academic year!
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Celebrate Father's Day - Send Wandeme to School
6/7/2018
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I want to learn. Can you find a sponsor for me?
Thank you,
Wandeme
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I Need Your Help
5/27/2018
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I need your help to go to school.
Hugs,
Phathutshedzo
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Will you sponsor Alilali?
5/25/2018
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I am Alilali. Will you sponsor me to attend Vhutshilo Mountain School?
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VMS Clothing Shop Open Every Thursday
5/17/2018
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Thank you Angela and others who have donated clothing!
*For our South Africa supporters...used clothing always welcome!
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Vhutshilo Mountain School - New Opportunity to Market Beads
5/16/2018
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Vhutshilo Mountain School’s Mpho made and marketed her glass beads to visitors from Belgium.
Thank you Marcella at Madi A Thavha Mountain Lodge and Kristien from Africa Genious Traveling Agents for making this possible.
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This Mother's Day Give the Gift of Education
5/6/2018
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This Mother’s Day give a gift that will help a Mom educate her child. Provide the gift of a future for a young girl or boy.
Vhutshilo Mountain School sponsorship of $50 a month provides a child with educational costs, school sup
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VMS has water tanks donated.
4/10/2018
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Thank you for your continued support...
4/8/2018
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Read MoreVMS Women Attend Siloam Hospital Workshop
3/15/2018
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Vhutshilo Mountain School News
3/15/2018
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Dear VMS Supporters,
As 2018 progresses, we gratefully acknowledge everyone who has supported our children, their extended families and the staff of the Vhutshilo Mountain School. Without your generous assistance we would never have been able to provide each of our with an excelle
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Getting Fit!
3/13/2018
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Thank You to Teacher Mashudu!
3/9/2018
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After just two months of school age 4 preschoolers can write their names! VMS has the best teacher ever. Teacher Mashudu we thank you very much.....
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Another Income Generating VMS Program: Clothing Kiosk
3/8/2018
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Vhutshilo Mountain School staff and the VMS Women's Group sent a huge thank you to Marcelle of Madi A Thavha Mountain Lodge for the donation of second hand clothing for Vhutshilo Mountain School's clothinkg kiosk. One of many income generating programs run
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VMS Seedling Program A Success
3/8/2018
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VMS's "Women's Seedling Program" successful, helping to support women and families!
Vhutshilo Mountain School sends a huge 'Thank You' for the support noting 'the seedlings are selling very well!'
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Happy International Women's Day!
3/8/2018
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Happy International Women's Day!
Here's to strong women...
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12/31/2017
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We Gratefully Thank Everyone for the Joys of 2017 and Wish You All a Happy New Year filled with Peace, Love and Hope for all!
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Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
12/22/2017
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Wishing you the best during this holiday season!
Your spirit of love continues to make all things possible. Thank You!
Happy Hanakkah!&nbs
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World Aids Day
12/1/2017
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Last year HFL was privileged to support VMS in their partnership with the Phuluso clinic for a World AIDS Day celebration.
330 people, young and old, attended this day of planned events. HIV/AIDS awareness and stigma mitigation were and continue to be the motivating fac
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It's GivingTuesday!
11/27/2017
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Today, November 28, is GivingTuesday, a compassionate movement
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Giving Tuesday is November 28!
11/26/2017
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November 28 is designated as Giving Tuesday, a compassionate movement for ‘giving' to those in need through social media. For the past four years, #Giving Tuesday has challenged individuals and communities to make the world a better place through generosity.
It’s a simple idea.
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Happy Thanksgiving!
11/21/2017
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Friends. Family. Food. Life. Health. Kindness. Support. Comfort. Relief. YOU!
We are thankful.
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Relief...
11/20/2017
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Comfort...
11/19/2017
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Support...
11/19/2017
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Kindness...
11/18/2017
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Health...
11/17/2017
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Life...
11/16/2017
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Food...
11/16/2017
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Family...
11/14/2017
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Friends...
11/13/2017
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Our VMS Preschool Winners!
11/11/2017
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The VMS pre-school children recently participated in a choral competition challenging preschoolers from other Vhembe district crèches. Our VMS children took home the first place win in all categories including best choir, best dressed, best dramatizing group and best conductor. We are so proud of our de
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The Healing Touch Program Interrupted by Hurrican Irma
10/25/2017
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Think Hurricane Irma is “old news’? Our friends Cary and Barb are still living it.
We met St John friends Cary and Barb many years ago when they contacted HFL asking if their background in massage could benefit our South African friends. We are grateful that this resulted in the crea
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One Month until ‘Giving Tuesday!’
10/25/2017
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It’s that unselfish time of year again and we’re hoping you will join the ‘Generosity Movement’ on #GivingTuesday with a donation to Hope for Limpopo, Inc.
Add November 28th to your calendar a
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This St. John Business will Rebuild
10/17/2017
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Read more about our HFL friends on St John who were caught in the crosshairs of Hurricane Irma.
Chirag ‘Cheech’ Vyas and Kevin Chipman, two young entrepreneurs living in St John but not quite making ends meet yet, donated all of the beer and soda for ‘One Magical Ev
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International Day of the Girl Child
10/11/2017
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Support a Child at Vhutshilo Mountain School.
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St. John Update: Cristina Kessler
10/7/2017
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'One Magical Evening' Event
We, at Hope for Limpopo, cherish the many friends we have made from all over the world. We were extremely concerned when we heard of the devastation that occurred on St John, US Virgin islands as a result of category 5 Hurricane Irma which hit St John with 150 mph winds.
St John was the location
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Compassion and Condolences
9/8/2017
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Our hearts here at HFL go out to all those affected by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria. Please know that we are all thinking of you with great concern and compassion. “Ka vha sale”
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'Positive Teens on the Run!' Run Strong and Proud!
8/1/2017
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Congratulations to team VMS 'Positive Teens on the Run' they did very well on Saturday running the Foskor Half Marathon in Phalaborwa. Running proud, Wamashudu finished 10km in 47 min, Khuthi in 1 hour and Rabelani ran 21km in 2 hours! Thank you Mr. Mathumba from Vhembe Athletic Club
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You Did It!
7/13/2017
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Thanks to our HFL friends and 57 committed donors, we have surpassed our $5000 goal by raising $5,158 for POSITIVE TEENS ON THE RUN!
Our teens are thrilled and can hardly believe that so many people have responded to their plea. This is the first time many of these youn
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Will we graduate today?
6/30/2017
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Today is the last “official” day for our PTOR campaign and we’d LOVE to reach our $5000 goal by midnight.
We’ve received over $3000 from 54 donors and are more than grateful for the support we’ve received from all over the world!
A $10 contribution bring
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2 Days to Go...
6/29/2017
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Two days to go...Please continue to share!
...$2976.00 raised towards our goal of $5000.00!...
Thank you for you
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We Are Close!
6/28/2017
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We asked. You heard. You responded.
We asked for help raising $5000 from 40 different donors so we could all assist HIV+ teens to move forward in their lives.
You responded with $2,266.00 from 50 donors!
We are so close. We have 3 more days to reach this goal.
Sti
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'Positive Teens on the Run!' One Runner's words..
6/27/2017
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Support this group of committed youngsters from severely disadvantaged families who openly declare their HIV+ status as runners and demonstrate healthy lifestyles!
Read More
Thanks to committed followers, we are moving closer to our goal of $5000.
At the close of this campaign we will blindly choose 10 donors to receive a packet of 8 beautiful HFL photo notecards as a symbol of our gratitude.
If you haven’t do
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Click here to Meet Philly, A 'Positive Teen on the Run!' Runner
As of this morning we have 44 donors!
Our task is to reach $5,000 from 40 different donors. Than
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Let's not lose another teen! $10 makes a big difference!
Click here to make your donation.
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What does that mean to HFL?
From 9 am to 11:59 EDT today ONLY, Global Giving will match donations at 20%.
If you haven’t already gifted to this wonderful cause, please DO consider giving any amount.
$10 makes a big differe
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'Positive Teens on the Run!' grow strong while eradicating AIDS discrimination among youth.
Consider helping...
Donate to 'Positive Teens
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“Thank You!” to HFL follower Renee and J.M. Barrie, for reminding us WHY we are helping the PTOR HIV+ teens undertake the eradication of AIDS discrimination among adolescents.
Please, help these teens continue to “fly.”
