Fifth Annual "Round Up Day" Challenge with Whole Foods Market to Mark World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day, observed December 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. AIDS has killed more than 25 million people, and an estimated 38.6 million people are living with HIV.

For the fifth year in a row, customers at Whole Foods Market – Brighton will join with SHARED to “Round Up” donations to fund a community garden in Lesotho to grow fruits and vegetables to feed HIV positive children and their families.

On Saturday, December 5th, volunteers from Brookline High School, led by student interns Rachel Sandalow-Ash, Sarah Lejeune, and Bianca Sena, will ask customers to “Round Up” their purchases to the next $1, $5, $10, or $20 with the difference coming to SHARED for a community garden.

Whole Foods Market – Brighton and SHARED continue to team up on World AIDS Day to raise money for people in Lesotho, southern Africa where 30 of the population is HIV positive. Of its 2 million residents, 180,000 of them are orphans. The funds raised this year will be used to plant a community garden where individuals plant, tend, and harvest vegetables and fruits that feed HIV/AIDS children and adults.

The average garden costs $2,500.00 to $3,500.00 and is designed to be self-sustaining. By funding gardens, hundreds of families grow food for themselves and sell excess produce within the community. Better nutrition leads to better health!

Please support Whole Foods Market - Brighton and shop there on Saturday, December 5th.  Be sure to Round Up to benefit SHARED.  Can't shop at the store?  Please make your tax-deductible donation toay!