The foundation's name -Starfish-comes from a story about a girl who, against all odds, saves starfish from dying on the beach.
The foundation encourages individuals to do their bit to turn the tide on Aids, each bringing his or own expertise, money and enthusiasm, to change one life at a time.
Starfish supports community-based outreach programmes. The first project to benefit is the Gcinosapho Project, administered by God's Little Acre, Cato Ridge, and KwaZulu -Natal. Situated in the Valley of a Thousands Hills, it supports more than 750 Children. The aim is to give hope to children affected by Aids by ensuring that they are fed, clothed, housed and educated, without removing them from their communities. As more money is raised the initiatives will be expanded.
The first " Star centers" will open next year. These will be self-sustainable day care/recreation centers and be centrally situated in communities. Various stakeholders in business and civil society are working with the foundation on this project.
Starfish is supported by various companies including the IQ Business Group, Coca-Cola, Pick 'n Pay, Harmony Gold Mining Company Ltd, African Merchant Bank, Herdboys McCann, Erickson, South African Airways, Transnet, and many others.
The next fundraiser for the charity will be on September 21. The IQ Business Group/Starfish Charity Ball will take place in Johannesburg and London simultaneously. Reserve Bank Governor Tito Mboweni is guest of honour at the South African ball, and Pieter-Dirk Uys will be speaking at the London one. At these the Starfish jewellery range, made with support of Harmony Gold and Orpheo of Hyde Park, will be launched.

Tickets cost R500 each and can be ordered by emailing [email protected].

For more information, please call 082 413 0391 or visit www.starfishcharity.org