Mallorca Wedding Benefits

Lesotho's AIDS Orphans

On 23rd September 2006, Morten Sondergaard and Anett Bernhardt were married in Mallorca, Spain. Anett who had lived in South Africa met Morten Sondergaard 8 years ago. The couple, who have two adored children, are both acutely aware of the difference in life style between AIDS orphans in Lesotho and those of their own children.  With this disparity in mind, they decided to celebrate their wedding by making a difference in the lives of AIDS orphans and other vulnerable children in Lesotho, southern Africa.

In lieu of wedding gifts, the couple asked their wedding guests to make a donation to SHARED, a Massachusetts based non-profit organization, for the purpose of providing medicines to the charity's partner organizations, - orphanages and district hospitals in Lesotho.

Rather than struggle with finding the perfect gift for the couple who has everything, the guests were only too happy to contribute to SHARED and donated more than an incredible $9,000.00 to support this worthy cause.

SHARED will use 100% of the wedding donations to provide medicines for some of the more than 180,000 orphans and abandoned children in Lesotho. At the cost of approximately $30.00 per child per year, SHARED works with its partners in Lesotho to provide a package of basic medical care for children.  Thanks to the Sondergaards and their guests, 300 children will get the medicines they need for better health.

Morten and Anett are both delighted that such a happy occasion as their wedding has also benefited children in South Africa about whom they care so much.

“Weddings are about love and commitment and this was a way which enabled everyone at the wedding to show love and commitment to AIDS children in southern Africa. We would like to thank our guests for their generosity and assure the children of Lesotho of our continued support” say the newly married couple.

Hoping that other like-minded people will follow the Sondergaard's example, SHARED has launched a “Celebration Gifting” program for individuals and couples who prefer donations instead of or in addition to a traditional gift for any occasion. Event planners, couples and party givers are encouraged to work with SHARED to create the perfect, custom fit for the occasion. Please contact us if you too would like to improve the health of children in Lesotho while celebrating your special event.

By affirming the generosity of the hosts and guests, the children in Lesotho celebrate the best gift of all – better health.