In 2010, 2.7 million people were newly infected with HIV, and more than two-thirds of all people living with HIV/AIDS live in sub Saharan Africa – including 91% of the world’s HIV positive children. Come August, I will be leaving for one year to volunteer in Africa with a group called Grassroot Soccer.  Grassroot Soccer (GRS) is a nonprofit organization that uses the power of soccer in the fight against HIV/AIDS. GRS was originally founded by former professional soccer players in 2002 and is currently supported by organizations such as The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, UNAIDS, Nike, The Ford Foundation and Sony, among many others.

What it is

Grassroot Soccer (GRS) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which uses the power of soccer to educate, inspire and mobilize youth to stay HIV/AIDS free. GRS uses an innovative, culturally sensitive life ‘Skillz’ curriculum to empower youth to prevent HIV/AIDS. GRS has over 400,000 graduates to date, has worked in 18 countries (mainly in sub Saharan Africa where HIV prevalence is highest in the world), in partnership with 25 organizations.

What I will be doing 

I will be training community leaders, improving operational processes, and educating professional soccer players in the GRS curriculum. I will also help build productive relationships with non-profit and governmental organizations, as well as evaluate the GRS program to determine its overall effectiveness.

Why

Having said all that, the real purpose of this trip is to give children hope. Using the power of play as an innovative combatant against a deadly disease, we will give children everywhere hope for a better tomorrow.

5,000 people each day die from AIDS, I believe that number should be ZERO.

The Mission

I will be leaving for Africa in August.  GRS suggests having $10,000 to cover the cost of living. Between now and then my mission is raise $100 from 100 people.  

By donating $100 you will be supporting a trip rooted with the purpose of ending HIV/AIDS. But you will also be able to be a part of the journey.  Each month you will receive an INspire Newsletter containing photos, stories, and updates of my experiences. You will be able to track the amount of children who go through these Skillz curriculum programs and literally see your donation change the lives of countless children.

If $100 is too steep, please feel free to give whatever is currently feasible. And if you would like to support in other ways, please do not hesitate to get in touch, especially if it is just to chat!

Be a part of the journey to fight HIV/AIDS.