Carphone Warehouse raising funds for South African AIDS orphans

The Phone House, a Cape-Town based call centre subsidiary of international communications giant The Carphone Warehouse, plans to raise a minimum of R 123,000.00 through organising and participating in a four-day sponsored cycle tour from Knysna to Cape Town.

"Our pledge to the Western Cape is to give back to the communities in which we operate through investment and upliftment of the children affected by HIV and AIDS. To this end, we have adopted Heaven's Nest as our chosen charity with this cycle tour forming part of our larger commitment for 2008," says general manager Wynand Schutte.

Situated in a two bedroom house in Ottery, Heaven's Nest is currently home to 13 children up to the age of eight who are abused, abandoned or infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

Up to eight Phone House staff and suppliers will set off on Friday 15th February from Knysna en route to Cape Town, arriving in Stellenbosch on Monday 18th February. Cyclists will cover a distance of 525 km over four days with the option of cycling or being portered a further 251 km.

"This initiative is very important to us and our suppliers," says Schutte. "It is a fun and healthy way for us to get to know each other and make a real difference in the lives of these children."

The funds raised will enable roof repairs, renovations and possibly even the building of an additional bedroom at Heaven's Nest.

"We thank our sponsors Alexander Forbes, CCI (Blakes), Dimension Data, Emmanuels, Internet Solutions, Itec and Merchants for making this cycle tour possible. All funds raised will go directly to Heaven's Nest," adds Schutte.