A PAPHOS-based businesswoman has recorded a Christmas CD, the proceeds of which will go to help the victims of HIV and AIDS in Cyprus.
Judith Evans, originally from Wales, trained as a classical singer, and spent time singing professionally in the UK, including performing in Madame Butterfly at the Hafren theatre in Wales.
“My husband and I moved to Paphos about five years ago, after falling in love with the island. I really enjoyed singing and for a time it was my career. But I had other interests, which took over,” she said.
All of the proceeds from the CD will go towards the charity Isaiah 58, which is part of the PCFI church in Paphos.
The Paphos Christian fellowship was founded in November 1996 with the basis of a ‘church in the home’. As its congregation expanded, it moved to its current meeting place of the Kissos Hotel. All nationalities are welcome, and in addition, two Cypriot evangelical groups and a Greek speaking Fellowship regularly meet there.
“I’m a worship leader in Paphos,” Evans said, “and I sing every Sunday. The church is very important to me, as is helping others.”
Recording this Christmas CD has been a wish of Evans’ for a while, and she said, “Christmas is the ideal time to do this, and I hope to be able to raise a substantial amount of money to help these people.”
The CD, which Evans says makes an ideal Christmas present, includes such classics as, ‘Oh Holy Night’, ‘Silent Night’ and ‘Amazing Grace’.
“I received the first batch of 60 discs just a couple of days ago, and they’ve already sold out,” she said. “I’ve just collected the second lot, and I hope people will support the charity and buy them.”
According to the ministry of health the number of people living with HIV and AIDS has surpassed 40 million worldwide, and continues to rise.
The world health organisation regional office for Europe reports that, between 1986 and 2006, 518 cases of HIV/AIDS were reported in Cyprus. In 2006 117 people had developed full blown AIDS, and 85 had died.
The annual infection rate has been reasonably small, and most new cases are found in those under the age of 40.The majority of the infections in Cyprus are passed on through sexual contact. Although, it’s impossible to give an accurate number of infections due to migration patterns, increased drug use and foreign women who are HIV positive, and working as prostitutes. HIV testing is free in Cyprus, and partners aren’t notified of the results.
n The CD, priced at €6, is titled, Oh Holy Night is available in Paphos from: Revival Fashion Agency in Kato Paphos,Hearnes Bookshop in Coral Bay and Ginas’ Place in Kato Paphos
