Phil Collins Donates Royalties to SA Aids
October 27, 2003
South African Press Association (Johannesburg)

British pop star Phil Collins has pledged his South African royalty earnings to the value of R370,000 to a local organization caring for HIV/Aids affected and infected children, the Topsy Foundation said on Monday.
It said the Gallo record company, which represents Collins' recording rights in South Africa, presented the donation to the foundation in Johannesburg. The royalty earnings were for the period January 2002 to June 2003.

"We are delighted with the money from Phil Collins as it will assist our drive for self-sustainability immensely," Topsy Foundation spokesman Grant Law said in a statement.

"We have initiated various projects designed to create reliable income for Topsy whilst at the same time creating employment opportunities and developing skills amongst Topsy's beneficiaries."

The foundation provides a holistic approach to the care of all vulnerable children, and to children affected directly or indirectly by HIV/Aids.

Law said the foundation worked with rural communities, bringing about change through a multi-faceted approach to the consequences of HIV/Aids.

In handing over the donation Gallo Music Group chief executive Charles Kuhn said: "We are proud to build on our association with the Topsy Foundation with this generous donation from Mr Collins."

Earlier this year, Gallo raised an amount of R100,000 from its inaugural Gallo Golf Day and the company has been encouraged by Topsy's work in educating and supporting young people whose lives had been shattered by HIV/Aids.

"Phil Collins' music is immensely popular in South Africa and we have every expectation that we will, together with the generosity of Phil Collins, continue to support the good cause of Topsy Foundation," Kuhn said.

Original Source: Copyright © 2003 South African Press Association