ORMOND BEACH, FLORIDA - August 11, 2003 (Send2Press Newswire) -- The alarming increase of AIDS orphans across the African continent, at least 12 million and growing daily, has inspired one Florida company to take action. Africa's Child Communications is launching a new long distance telephone service with a goal to raise $1 million a year to help care for the orphans of the African AIDS pandemic.

"The number of African AIDS orphans is expected to increase to 25 million or more by 2010," says Phil Rather, President of Africa's Child. "Personally I find that incredible. Africa's Child is our response to this ongoing tragedy. We give people a simple and easy way to be a part of caring for these desperately needy children.

Anyone can participate by simply subscribing online to the long distance telephone service. Africa's Child will donate 10% of the cost of every long distance call to World Vision, one of the most effective humanitarian relief organizations in the world today. The company plans to sign up 50,000 subscribers, which will potentially generate $1 million a year in donations.

The long distance service is just 5.9¢ a minute for state to state calls. And because there's no additional monthly fee, the cost is usually less than AT&T, MCI, and Sprint's most popular flat rate plans. The company's web site, www.africaschild.com, provides all the details about the program. Plans are also in the works for other products such as cellular and Internet services to be offered in the near future.

"We use the term 'Compassionate Capitalism' to describe our business philosophy. I believe a good example of this approach would be Paul Newman's gourmet food products company, which has donated $125 million over the last 20 years to a variety of worthy causes. We hope to have a similar success story helping Africa's AIDS orphans," explains Rather.

"Africa's Child's goal is not only to raise money, but to also raise public awareness about the havoc the AIDS crisis is causing among the African young people. Many of tomorrow's teachers, businessmen, doctors, pastors, fathers, mothers, they're in danger of being wiped out. At times celebrities like Bono or Christians such as Franklin Graham manage to briefly focus the media's attention on the AIDS orphans, but unfortunately the situation in Africa is largely being overlooked. It's a powerful story that deserves more coverage."

"We ask everyone to join us in our efforts by signing up for the long distance service and to also please pass this important information along to their friends and family. We believe that together we can make a difference."

More information: 1-800-753-4483

Organization Website: www.africaschild.com
Source of News: Africa's Child Communications

Florida Newswire / Telecommunications Newswire
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