At the start of the new century, South Africa probably had the largest number of HIV-infected people of any country in the world. In 1999, the national survey of women attending antenatal clinics found that 22.4 percent were infected.

We face a challenge of immense proportions and this is the name that Alan Whiteside and myself chose for our recent book “ AIDS - The challenge for South Africa”. South Africa is a country, which has experienced a number of miracles over the past few years. We argue that if we respond to the epidemic in the right way, not only can we reduce its impact, but perhaps we will emerge stronger as a result.

Our key message is that it is up to each and every one of us to make a small contribution in our own way. The battle against HIV and AIDS will only be won by millions of initiatives at grassroots level. Some will be more effective than others, but every little bit will count.

Glenda Butler is one individual who has responded to the challenge. Her first steps were simple. Her first practical activity was to start weekly jumble sales in her garden. The goodwill of the local community led to the establishment of the organization aptly named All Our Children First and a Charity Shop was opened. The proceeds of these sales were distributed to people in need and organizations concerned with the well being of children.

Glenda’s concerns with issues of accountability are of the highest priority. ALL OUR CHILDREN FIRST has a Constitution and is registered with the Directorate of Non -Profit Organizations .N.P.O. Reg. No 019-221.

Given the enormity of the AIDS Crisis and its effects upon the fabric of society, Glenda and ALL OUR CHILDREN FIRST stand as a beacon of light. She has responded to the plight of the generation to come and in her response to both adversity and need, has shown us the way. In the face of the crisis before us, many have become apathetic, Glenda suggests that our response to the AIDS crisis will be the measure of our own humanity and will probably be a fair measure of our own dignity and significance in the face of the greatest challenge ever to face our country and its people.

She invites all those who wish to affirm their own humanity to assist her and the organizations which she supports.

I urge you to support her efforts on behalf of the children of South Africa

Yours sincerely,

Clem Sunter