OUT LAUNCHES DONATION LINE

Here’s an opportunity to support a good cause in the lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) community – OUT has launched an SMS donantion line that makes it easy to contribute.

The Gauteng-based LGBT health and well-being services organisation said that the donation line will help supporters make a real difference in people’s lives.

“There are many LGBT people and their friends who would like find a way of showing their support for a good cause in the community but have never had the means to do so. We believe that OUT’s work in projects such as providing HIV testing, ARVs and counselling to LGBT people – many of whom have limited means – is certainly a worthy cause,” explained OUT Director Dawie Nel.

And it couldn’t be easier. To donate R30 to OUT, simply SMS the word DONATE to 42655 (R30/SMS). Each SMS and donation is a once-off contribution and there is no subscription or other commitment of any kind. You can donate as often and whenever you like. OUT is registered with the Department of Social Development as a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO).

“I hope that we can count on members of the LGBT community to support us in their individual capacity. Your donation will make a significant and real contribution towards our work,” says Nel, adding: “If we don’t start taking care of our community from within, then how can we expect corporations and funders to do so?”

Nel said that OUT’s services make a real impact on people’s lives as evidenced by its clients through an ongoing Client Satisfaction Survey: “The service received was very beneficial for me – and it’s been given with love,” said one man. “OUT should continue looking out for gay people. Keep it up!” said another, while a number of clients have described OUT’s services to the community as “excellent”, “amazing”, “friendly” and “helpful”.

OUT, now in its 16th year of operation, provides numerous health and well-being services to the LGBT community, including counselling, support groups, HIV testing and general medical services as well as the provision of ARVs and Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). OUT’S online resources – www.men2men.co.za and www.womyn2womyn.co.za – provide easy access to information on sexuality, sexual health and general well-being. For more information, visit www.out.org.za.