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The name Club 21 was chosen to emphasize the Foundation’s
commitment to being involved in a major international health concern
into the 21st century. Club 21 is unique in that
contributors are a part of a "club," with a membership and their own
pin. Through an annual contribution of $21 (US) or more, you can become
a part of the foundation’s effort to support children infected with HIV
and AIDS.
HIV and AIDS are global epidemics
affecting people in all countries and from all walks of life, but it is
the innocent children who bear the brunt of this disease. Club
21 is the opportunity to extend your hand to these children and
their families.
As a member of Club 21
you will receive the special gold and white Club 21 Pin,
signifying your participation in a program that every Altrusan will be
proud of. Club 21 – a way for you to make a difference.
The attention given by the professional
staff lets the children know that there are people who understand and
care about then. Camp Safe Haven provides a busy, fun-filled
experience, giving the children the sense of belonging and acceptance.
Click here
for Club 21 renewal form.
Camp Safe Haven, a camp
created for children with HIV and AIDS was founded by Tony Lombardi and
Dave Butler. Often these children are subject to horrible stigmatization
and prejudice. There are children who have had their houses burned, cars
destroyed and lives threatened. Children have been kicked out of school,
banished from neighborhood playgrounds and entire sports teams refusing
to play against a team with an MV-positive athlete, forcing the child to
quit his dearly loved sport for the sake of his teammates.
Every aspect of Camp Safe
Haven is focused on one idea- FREEDOM. Camp Safe Haven has created a
camp/retreat experience that goes beyond the traditional. Everyone gets
involved and the message that the children come away with is it's okay
to be who you are here, just come and have fun. Children leave Camp Safe
Haven with the sense that there are people in the world who do
understand and care for them, not because of their illness, but in spite
of it. In this way, the children are offered a little hope and perhaps,
for some a reason to on, so they can come back to SAFE HAVEN again.
Camp Safe Haven engages
children from all over the United States and other countries in
activities which promote a sense of community and well being in spite of
their infection with HIV/AIDS.
Camp sessions are held in
April on Martha's Vineyard and in August at another site in New England.
Different from other camp experiences, Safe Haven does not isolate the
children, but instead incorporates their activities into a community
setting, thus giving the children a sense of belonging and acceptance.
Camp Safe Haven is not just another camp, it is an ongoing support
system for these children, who come from many different places and their
families.
The organizers and other
staff members also talk with these children throughout the year to offer
support, encouragement and perhaps just a shoulder to cry on. Safe Haven
sponsors an annual winter holiday party for the children and their
families, provides opportunities for teens who are not infected to be of
service to those who are, provides education about HIV/AIDS to
communities, and provides memorial scholarships to deserving students.
While there is no cost for
a child to attend Camp Safe Haven, housing, meals, activities, medical
supplies, and transportation amount to approximately $1,000 per child
per week. The entire staff, which includes doctors, nurses, social
workers, counselors, and other volunteers donate all of their time and
services.
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