The Anokhi Foundation

World AIDS Orphans Day 2008

2008-05-06T16:30:00.037-06:00

When Charles was 10 years old, his father lost his battle against HIV; One year later, so did his mother. Charles who is now 13 years old, takes care of himself as well as four of his younger siblings. Unfortunately, Charles’ story is not a rare one. That’s why, in 2002, the FXB established a worldwide event that would protect vulnerable and underprivileged children. This event falls on May 7^th of every year, and is known as the World AIDS Orphan’s Day. On this day, elected officials and thousands of participants across the globe have signed pledges and have spoken out about the World AIDS Orphan’s Day to provide relief in some way to the orphan crisis.

Why we should take a stand:
There are more than 15 million children who are orphaned by AIDS worldwide, and experts say that there are millions more in India, China, and Russia that are unaccounted for. Experts also believe that based on the trend of this disease, over 25 million children will be orphaned by 2010. If losing one or both parents isn’t enough, orphaned children have been subject to discrimination, and are less likely to receive health care, education and other necessities. While food consumption decreases by 40%, there is a large increase in hunger, malnutrition, and even death. In order to survive, many orphaned children are forced to grow up too fast, in search for jobs to help support themselves and their siblings. Unfortunately, due to the lack of any financial or educational support, many orphans fall victim to forced labor, prostitution, and child soldering.

The Anokhi Foundation fights back!:
Anokhi focuses on improving the quality of life for people who are affected by HIV/AIDS. We strive to focus on and pursue initiatives that will help eliminate the discrimination that orphaned children face. India has the largest population of orphaned children in the world, who are widely discriminated against due to social stigmas, and socio-economic class. According to UN estimates, the number of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in India has reached nearly 2 million, and these numbers are expected to double in the next 5 year. Of the 350 million children below the age of 14 who make up India’s population, approximately 18 million children live on the streets. The number of child laborers range from 20 million to over 100 million. More than 500,000 children, mostly teenage girls, have been drawn into the sex trade. Although heart-wrenching, these are the types of statistics that spark the Foundation's passion to provide change for these children and the communities which surround them.

How you can get involved:
Communities all over the world are coming together to make children a priority in the battle against HIV/AIDS. Events are being held all over your country, maybe even in your own city. If there isn’t an event in your surrounding area, host one yourself! You can also visit the Anokhi Foundation’s website learn more about our efforts, read up on statistics, and see how you can volunteer with us! It doesn’t take much, as you know even a little, can go a long way! It doesn't take much, as you know, even a little can go a long way!

1. Click here to find an event near you: World AIDS Orphans

2. Check out our resources on Orphans and Vulnerable Children: The Anokhi Foundation

3. Watch this video about the plight of India's AIDS Orphans and raise your awareness:

Thank you,
Aneesa Lala
The Anokhi Foundation
Secretary

This Mother's Day ...

2008-04-28T21:05:00.006-06:00

Let's do our part to stop HIV & AIDS and help the 14 million orphans and vulnerable children!

Purchase your flowers, chocolate, and gifts through GoodShop - Just make Anokhi your charity of choice! We get 7% back for purchases from 1-800-flowers and Teleflora! Use it on May 11th, and always!!

For Donor Recognition, a chance to enter in a $50 monthly sweepstakes, and a desktop icon for easy shopping access - shop at Fundraising Solutions. Search for that special present - and make a donation for HIV/AIDS Prevention in your Mom's name!!

Want to buy Mom a new phone or need to renew a phone plan soon? Check out Phones for Good and choose Anokhi as your charity. They have all the major carriers, great deals, and all the hottest new phones!

Do something sweet for your Mom and for a GREAT CAUSE!

And as always, GoodSearch
It just makes cents!

Happy Mother's Day from everyone at The Anokhi Foundation!

Thanks!
Avanti Sharma
The Anokhi Foundation
Founder, President, CEO

"Helping others is as simple as a click! "
- NBC

Do Something GOOD This Holiday Season!

2007-12-20T20:01:00.000-06:00

GoodSearch and GoodShop!

What if you could help The Anokhi Foundation make a difference just by searching the Internet and shopping online? Well, now you can!

Here's an easy way to raise money for your favorite cause! Just start using GoodSearch.com as your search engine. Every time you search, they donate more than a penny a search to The Anokhi Foundation, and it's powered by Yahoo! so you get great search results!

Just go to www.goodsearch.com (make it your homepage!) and be sure to enter The Anokhi Foundation as the charity you want to support. You can even add it as you a search engine in you Firefox or IE Toolbar! Just 500 of us searching four times a day will raise about $7300 in a year without anyone spending a dime! It's really that simple.

And now just in time for the holidays, you can SHOP at all of your favorite stores and a percentage is automatically donated to Anokhi!! Just GoodShop, enter Anokhi and find your favorite retailer - anything ranging from Best Buy, Sephora, and Travelocity!

Be sure to spread the word!

Thank you so much for making a vital difference in the lives of people fighting HIV and AIDS.

Happy Holidays from everyone at The Anokhi Foundation!

Avanti Sharma
Founder, President, CEO
The Anokhi Foundation
www.anokhifoundation.org

5 Ways to Be a Leader on World AIDS Day

2007-11-30T14:34:00.000-06:00

Hi friends ~

Currently there are more than 33 million people living with AIDS worldwide. In fact, one out of three people are undiagnosed. This year alone there were more than 2.5 million new cases of AIDS. That’s the same number of children who live with disease. The Anokhi Foundation wants to change those odds and decrease the numbers of new cases of AIDS with your help.

December 1, 2007 is World AIDS Day ~ designed to renew leadership in our efforts to eradicate AIDS worldwide. How can you lend a hand in the fight against this global pandemic?

Here are 5 simple ways to do your part:

1. Volunteer with Anokhi or another local AIDS organization.

2. Join an AIDS Walk in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, or another city near you!

3. Join our social networks on Facebook and Myspace and leave us a message in support of World AIDS Day! Change your status, let people know what day it is, and blog about it. Make your voice heard!

4. Know your status. Find an HIV Testing Site near you.

5. Visit the World AIDS Day Website and find out more!

Thank you,

Avanti Sharma
President and Chief Executive Officer
The Anokhi Foundation

Anokhi Named MySpace Non-Profit Top Friend of the Month!

2007-06-13T12:15:00.000-06:00

The Anokhi Foundation is excited to announce that we have been added as a top friend to “A Portal to all that is good on MySpace.” We are honored to be a friend of “Nonprofit Organizations” as they are committed to spreading awareness of various organizations throughout the MySpace community. Their mission is to serve nonprofit organizations around the world by creating a place where we can all come together. No matter what the organization, we all share the passion and drive to grow and work toward a brighter future.

Nonprofit Organizations have over 15,000 friends, comprised of organizations, their staff, activists, those with a specific cause to support, and those seeking out causes to support. Please visit our nonprofit organizations on MySpace and join the Anokhi community and “A Portal to all that is Good on MySpace.”

Thanks!
Meagan Newman
The Anokhi Foundation Team

Create A Change Using Your AMEX!

2007-06-06T11:43:00.000-06:00

The Anokhi Foundation wants to Help the AIDS Population in India reduce the overall incidence of AIDS. India currently has the most AIDS cases than any country in the world!

The Members Project by American Express is helping AMEX card members dream of change. It’s a chance to do something BIG for our world! For every card member that registers, American Express will donate $1 to the Project, up to $5 million!

The possibilities are endless! Log on to http://www.membersproject.com and rate now! Enter Project ID # 3637. You can rate our project 1-5 stars and even leave comments!! Spread the word with friends, family, and colleagues.

From now until July 3rd, log on and make sure Anokhi makes it to the Top 50 for final selection!!!!

Your VOTES and words of support and encouragement count!

Thanks!
The Anokhi Foundation

10th Annual HIV Vaccine Awareness Day

2007-05-17T23:57:00.000-06:00

May 18, 2007 marks the 10th annual HIV Vaccine Awareness Day. This day recognizes and thanks volunteers, health providers, and scientists for providing their efforts in hope to find a safe and effective vaccine for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Today 40 million people are currently living with the HIV/AIDS infection and every day 11,000 people become newly infected. Last year in the United States alone 40,000 people became newly infected with HIV. Scientists believe that with the creation of an effective HIV vaccine, numerous possible outcomes may occur. These possible outcomes include:

Preventing infection in many people
Preparing a person’s immune system to block infection and eliminate the virus
Delaying or preventing the onset of AIDS

A Call for Help

Developing a vaccine requires the support of communities, government, researchers, non-governmental organizations, volunteers, and individuals. We urge you to show your support for HIV Vaccine research.

Raising awareness and support for the study is essential in eliminating stigmas about HIV research. Here is how you can get involved:

Wear a Red AIDS Ribbon in support - V for Vaccines and Victory!

Let others know that you support HIV vaccine research
Educate others about the need for an HIV vaccine
Support vaccine trial volunteers and/or become a volunteer yourself

Individuals and communities who support vaccine research will take scientists one step closer in the successful development of HIV vaccines.

For more information on becoming a Vaccine Trial Volunteer, please visit the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at www.niaid.nih.gov/daids/vaccine/

Aneesa Lala
Secretary
The Anokhi Foundation

World AIDS Orphans Day 2007 - Raise Your Voice

2007-05-07T18:52:00.000-06:00

By 2010 there will be 100 million AIDS orphans..

Worlds AIDS Orphans' Day began in 2002 to help focus attention on the many children who have been affected by this pandemic. After losing not one but both parents to HIV & AIDS, they are shunned by communities and are at great risk for malnutrition and illness. Today you can help shed light on their struggle and unite efforts to give them the help and attention they deserve.

A few minutes of your day can assist orphans in obtaining access to education and healthcare. World AIDS Orphans' Day 2007 focuses on helping these children reach a better standard of living by empowering them for a better future. Your voice will help elected officials understand that we must mobilize efforts to take urgent action in aiding these children.

Here are a few suggestions:

Click here for a great example of a help campaign for a united effort to help stop the rising numbers of AIDS orphans.
Invite a local expert on AIDS.
Raise your awareness about the conditions of at risk children around the world!
Encourage political and economic mobilization, with ONE signature. Ask friends and family to sign as well!
Write to your school or local newspaper.
Show a film - A discussion after can help promote awareness and help everyone gain insight.

All it takes is a few clicks and you can help the lives of so many children! Imagine what a few moments of your time can give children who have lost so much. Today is your chance to give them a voice.

Amena Waseem
Vice President
The Anokhi Foundation

Give Every Day While Searching the Web!

2007-04-18T15:52:00.000-06:00

What if The Anokhi Foundation earned a penny every time you searched the internet? Well, now we can!

Goodsearch.com is a new search engine that donates half its revenue to, about a penny a search, to the charities its users designate. You use it as you would any search engine, and its powered by Yahoo!, so you get great results.

Just go to Goodsearch.com and be sure to enter The Anokhi Foundation as the charity you want to support. You can even make it your homepage, or add a plug in for your Firefox or IE Toolbar once you've added us as your charity of choice!

Just 500 of us searching four times a day will raise about $7300 in a year without anyone spending a dime! And be sure to spread the word!

Help people with HIV & AIDS by simply searching the internet!

Thanks so much everyone!

Avanti Sharma

Founder, President, CEO

The Anokhi Foundation

Get Friendly With Anokhi

2007-04-01T20:42:00.000-06:00

Want a fun, free, easy way to get involved with The Anokhi Foundation? Join us online and help build our social community. Check out our profiles on MySpace, Facebook, and Friendster and connect with us.

Your support may reach thousands, so visit our profiles and join Anokhi today! You can help spread the message about HIV & AIDS in the South Asian Community.

Help us improve the lives of families and children in India struggling with HIV/AIDS.

Here's where you can link with us online:

Facebook

www.myspace.com/anokhifoundation

www.friendster.com/anokhiorg