World AIDS Day David Skeat Thursday, November 30th 2006 World AIDS Day, Home of the Open Heart, Thailand and You. The team here at Home of the Open Heart in Chiang Rai, Thailand would like to let you, our friends know about World AIDS Day.  World AIDS Day was first declared by the World Health Organisation and the United Nations General Assembly in 1988.  Since then, it has progressively become one of the most successful ?international days? for raising awareness on a global issue.  Friday December 1st 2006 is World AIDS Day  it is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS.   According to UNAIDS, an estimated 39.5 million adults and children are living with HIV throughout the world ? and that number increases in every region every day.  Approximately 4.3 million adults and children became newly infected with HIV in 2006 and 2.9 million died due to AIDS-related illnesses.  The spread of HIV is quickening ? with more people infected in 2006 than in any previous year.  Over 25 million men, women and children have been lost to AIDS so far? On World AIDS Day last year we asked for your support on behalf of our dedicated child carers, our pliungs, and your speedy and generous response was overwhelming and continues to bless us and our children to this day.  This year we seek you and your support for meeting the deadline on the land payment for our entire ministry.  On January 5th 2007 the final installment for the land upon which we are based is due.  This date cannot be changed and we still need approximately US$19,000 in order to make this payment.  It is from this base that our ministry exists.  Our children live and learn here and we are currently building our second Baby Home.  Our administration is based here to manage our entire ministry, including our Lakeview widow and child cottages (which is also the property on which our future respite centre will be built).  And it is also from this base that our community development team works towards building relationships with those in our community who are affected by and at risk of HIV and whom they hope to be able to run teaching programs for in the future. 2006 is the 25th anniversary of the identification of AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome  and this year, it?s up to you, me and us to stop the spread of HIV and offer a chance at true, full, abundant life to those already affected. If youd like to make a donation please do so through the ARMS secure site. Just select Home of the Open Heart Building Appeal from the Intenational Projects menu. Thank you for all your prayers and support. Penny

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