Tanzanian Albino Society - Online Auction

What is this Fundraiser for?		The aim of this fundraiser is to generate funds to be donated to the Tanzanian Albino Society. (TAS) TAS is in desperate need of resources to provide education about albinism, and health and protection for persons with albinism in Tanzania.
Why Tanzania?		Specifically At least 27 people with albinism have been brutally murdered in Tanzania during the past year and it's continuing to happen. Their limbs are hacked off and body parts removed to be sold in part of the growing industry in trading in albino body parts. The horrific trend of witchdoctors trading and using albino body parts as "get rich quick" potions now has people with albinism existing in fear for their lives. It's sickening and it has to stop. Generally In North America and Europe it is estimated that 1 in 20,000 people have some form of albinism. In Tanzania it is 5 times as common with 1 in 4,000 people being affected. Under the searing sun, Tanzanian people with albinism suffer greatly. Lack of health resources, high incidence of skin cancer and often being shunned as outcasts are part of the suffering.
Why do I care?		Human beings are being murdered - I can't 'not' care. Also, a couple of years ago I spent a wonderful month traveling and photographing in Tanzania. I met warm, generous, intelligent people striving for education and a better life so I couldn't believe what I was reading in this article by Jeffrey Gettleman in the New York Times. I feel compelled to do something to help.
What I'm doing		1) Fund Raiser for TAS. The photographs I took on my first trip to Tanzanian are up for auction. Also for auction is a collection of artisan pieces handcrafted by Tanzanian artists. I am seeking sponsorship and donations of product from companies who manufacture UV protective clothing and sun block. 2) Photo Project. On Oct 27th I return to Tanzania to work with the Tanzanian Albino Society doing a photo project to create awareness and to highlight and generate support for their cause.
What can you do?		Go to the auction and bid! Win some great art and be part of a solution to end someone's suffering. Tell your friends about this cause and auction. Check in on my Photo project. I'll be keeping in touch from Tanzania.
Media articles		Albinos, Long Shunned, Face Threat in Tanzania (NY Times, reg. req'd) Tanzania fear over albino killing (BBC) Albinos in Burundi flee killings (BBC) Albino killings in Tanzania (BBC) Albino murders continue in Tanzania (ABC Australia)