June 28, 2009
Reported by Chiou Kuo-rong
Written by Lydia Ma

Lourdes Association, a Catholic orphanage that became an AIDS center in 1997, recently unveiled "Little Lourdes Piggy Bank" in hopes that more people can get involved in reaching out to AIDS patients.

Government statistics reveal there are 17,421 reported cases of AIDS in Taiwan and about 86.49% of patients survive despite contracting the disease. These statistics infer that AIDS has become a manageable illness in recent years, but caregivers warn that prevention and awareness programs must continue and more resources are needed to help patients deal with physical, emotional, and social implications of carrying AIDS throughout their lives. People with AIDS are still stigmatized in Taiwan by their own families or by society at large.

According to the association, the idea of creating a piggy bank was born after the recent financial crisis when it saw its revenue plummet. The association stated that as of May 2009, it had a deficit exceeding $4 million NTD and it hoped that this piggy bank project would allow more people to donate small sums of money so that a little bit of money by many could amount to a lot of financial donations to support AIDS programs .

The association said that December 1st is World AIDS Day and those who order piggy banks now will be reminded at the end of the year to empty their piggy banks and donate the coins inside to the association. The donations collected will go toward funding programs that take care of AIDS patients in Taiwan so that these people can live normal lives.

Though one dollar may seem insignificant, a bunch of one dollar coins may go a long way in helping many AIDS patients. Lourdes Association will begin promoting "Little Lourdes Piggy Bank" events beginning this month. It hopes to attract more people to donate resources to care for those afflicted with AIDS. Individuals, organizations, and schools are welcome to contact the association and order piggy banks by calling 02-23711406 or 04-22295550.

Taiwan Church News