Windhoek — The Christina Swart-Opperman Aids Orphan Foundation Trust will hold a fundraising gala dinner next month in an attempt to raise N$500 000 to be used by various projects supported by the trust.

According to Swart-Opperman, founder of the trust, more than 8 000 children have already benefited since the trust was established six years ago.

She said the gala dinner will be held at the Safari Court Hotel on 18 November under the theme, "Our beautiful country, our beautiful children".

She made the announcement during a short ceremony where several companies made cash donations of more than N$90 000 towards sponsoring the dinner.

Swart-Opperman said the trust was dependent on sponsors to ensure that events take place and that Namibian businesses had been "incredible" in their support and that they were also awaiting the confirmation of additional sponsors.

"I urge organisations and individuals to support this event by purchasing tables. We have already sold 30 of the 50 targeted tables. With the money raised, the trust will continue with the current projects in Namibia as well as embarking upon identified assistance for additional homes and families," she said.

She added that the funds raised with the dinner will also be used to support sport development of the children.

The trust has as its vision to contribute towards social reform in Namibia. Specific objectives are to uplift and improve the quality of life of AIDS orphans by participating specifically in programmes dealing in education, care and feeding schemes, prevention and psycho-social support.

Specific values of the trust are respecting human dignity and rights of children, applying funds with integrity and having compassion for the less privileged.

The dinner promises an exciting programme. Cultural performances will be given by 64 children from different projects.