International evening in aid of the Tanzania Albino Centre, Arusha
11 September 2009
6 York Gate, London NW1
Did you know that Tanzania has a higher than average albino population?
Did you know that albinos come from the poorest sections of society in that country?
And did you know that some of them are murdered for their body parts which are then used for superstitious medicinal purposes and as 'wealth-enhancing charms'? One police report estimates a £50,000 price tag for a a complete set of body parts.
Touched by the plight of the albinos, the Rotary Club Westminster West is sponsoring The Commonwealth Association's international evening to raise funds for the Tanzania Albino Centre in Arusha. They hope to raise money which will help put some young people through school or training or buy some of the essentials that keep them healthy, such as sunglasses and sun block creams to keep their eyes and skins safe.
For the lighter pigmentation of the albinos puts them in jeopardy of damaging their eyes and contracting skin cancer from the strong rays from the sun.
Tanzanian authorities are doing all they can to help protect the albino population, even escorting some of the children to school. Traditional community discrimination has been outlawed. An award-winning film, 'Curse of the Nobody People' has even made by South African Sam Rogers.
But centres, such as the Tanzania Albino Centre need lots of support. For £380, for example, one person can be supported through school for a year. And just imagine how many sunglasses and sun block that can buy.
The international evening fund-raiser aims to help give to this group a better future. Entrance is via a £12.50 ticket which gives you a spread of Commonwealth cuisine and entertainment. There's a raffle with lovely prizes and the evening may be rounded off with an auction for charity.
Do you want to support this cause? Email us at info@comassoc.org for further information.