pietermaritzburg gay organisation & city businesses to collect toys and food parcels for children infected or affected by hiv/aids

November 2, 2005: The Pietermaritzburg Gay & Lesbian Network in association with Kismet Hotel and businesses situated at the hotel have teamed up to support the East Coast Radio Toy Story project. The businesses involved include Sam's Florist, Shah's Driving School, Junior Taxi, Jermyo Coffee Bar and Kismet Tote.

This joint initiative is to maximize all efforts to assist Toy Story to collect toys and food parcels for children infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.

The management at Kismet, the Network and businesses appeal to all their customers and the public to support this worthwhile cause, which will enable many children to enjoy the festive celebrations and also contribute to their wellbeing. This is the third year that the Network and Kismet are involved with Toy Story and are encouraged by the support of the businesses at the Kismet.

Mr. Mervin Chetty, manager of the Kismet Hotel, commented on the initiative and said "I am very excited by the support of all the businesses involved at the hotel in making the project a major success for the many children who need it most and I challenge all businesses in Pietermaritzburg to support Toy Story".

Anthony Waldhausen, convenor of Pietermaritzburg (PMB) Gay & Lesbian Network said "I am encouraged to see the spirit of giving and I am looking forward to handing over the toys to the many children, which is a gratifying experience for me as I experienced it last year whilst visiting hospitals".

The PMB Gay & Lesbian Network will be hosting a Christmas Party on Saturday, 17 December 2005 at the Kismet Hotel where all the toys and food parcels will be handed over to East Coast Radio. Tickets for the party are available at the Kismet Hotel at R25 and include a light snack.

A collection box will be located at the hotel reception for the public to drop off their donations and the Kismet Hotel will assist in collecting toys or food parcels for those who are unable to drop them off.

For more details or to purchase tickets contact Anthony at Tel: (033) 3451141/3426165 or 0725362978