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Missionvale is an extremely poor shackland township in Nelson Mandela Metropole (Port Elizabeth) South Africa. 70% of the population are unemployed, 60% are infected with HIV / AIDS and a large number of children have been orphaned due to AIDS. There is no electricity and only 16 taps to service an estimated 130,000 people. Life is a constant battle against disease and hunger.
In 1988 Sister Ethel Normoyle, an Irish nun, established the Missionvale Care Centre. The centre comprises a health clinic, a nutrition centre, a self help training centre, a clothing warehouse and distribution outlet, a school and a church. It has become a vital lifeline for Missionvale’s severely deprived people. Both Mother Theresa and Queen Elizabeth have visited the centre, a tribute to Sister Ethel’s wonderful work. The centre is almost entirely funded by donations with minimal Government support.
The nutrition centre provides soup mix and bread to the most needy families. Each person is required to bring recycling material in exchange for food.
In 2006, Missionvale Australia was established as a channel for Australians to support this incredibly needy cause. All donations made in Australia are tax deductible - 95% of donations are sent directly to the Missionvale Care Centre. APHEDA collect all our donations - 5% is used for credit card and auditing costs.