The UN reports more than two thirds of all people infected with HIV live in Sub-Saharan Africa, and more than 40 per cent of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa lives in extreme poverty. Approximately 43 million children under the age of 18 have lost one or both parents to AIDS, conflict or other causes; of these, about 11 million children are orphaned by AIDS.

Astoundingly, in South Africa alone,  over 2.3 million children have been orphaned by AIDS and over 410,000 children are living with HIV.  Many more children are living with sick caregivers and about 150,000 children are believed to be living in child-headed households (UNICEF South Africa). Furthermore, almost 56 percent of children in South Africa live below the poverty line. In Limpopo, South Africa, 60% of the population, including 74% of the children, are living in poverty.

The ASHÉ Foundation is committed to changing the lives of the millions of children in African nations who have been orphaned by the devastating effects caused by HIV/AIDS, Wars and Poverty. The ASHÉ Foundation gathers and distributes shoes, clothing and other necessities and services to aid the disadvantaged and underprivileged. While all of us are susceptible to hardships, children are at the most risk, and they make up the largest number of clients we serve.

In August of 2016, we will undertake a Mission Trip to South Africa to serve the rural community of Ga-Dikgale, Limpopo.  

The ASHÉ Foundation mission in August, 2009

The main focus of this Mission Trip is to provide at least 1000 Ga-Dikgale school-aged girls with a Subz Pads Pack. Subz Pads are washable, reusable sanitary pads and panties. The panty is made from 100% cotton, and the pads are made from 5 layers of hydrophilic fabric. (http://www.subzpads.co.za/) UNICEF estimates that 2 out of 10 African schoolgirls skip school or drop out of school entirely due to a lack of menstrual products and poor access to proper sanitation. The inability to effectively manage menstruation contributes to absences of up to 4-5 school days each month, equating to as much as 20% of the academic year intentionally skipped simply due to menstruation. Eventually many of these girls drop out of school entirely, further limiting their future career and economic opportunities.

The ASHÉ Foundation mission in August, 2009

In addition to providing the Subz Pads Pack, we will ship a 40' container with 20,000 pairs of shoes, clothing and 1000 bags filled with hygiene products such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, deodorant, and lotion. 

We have partnered with The Lonely Road Foundation, a South African development organization which aims to improve the lives of Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVCs) in Ga-Dikgale.  The Lonely Road manages 15 Drop-In Centres in Ga-Dikgale so that they are capable of implementing and sustaining programmes for securing happy and healthy childhoods for young children in their care.  They service children whose ages range from 6 months to 18 years old.   (http://www.thelonelyroad.org/) 

With the funds you donate, we will be able to purchase 1000 Subz Pads Packs, ship the 40' container, and travel to Limpopo to provide the items we ship directly to the intended recipients. With the generous support of people like you, we will be able to help many not only to meet essential daily needs, but to work toward a brighter future.  Your demonstration of support and love will help us remain committed to changing the world two feet at a time.

Thank you for your donation.


The ASHÉ Foundation is a 501 (C) (3) (#26-3268981) Corporation.  All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

For more information on how your donation is helping to make a difference in the lives of so many, we invite you to visit our website www.theashefoundation.org. You can also find information there on our upcoming events for this year and volunteer opportunities.