The Penny Project

What is the Penny Project?
The Penny Project is an effort to collect 23 million pennies, one for every person on the continent of Africa infected with AIDS.  During the process, the primary objective is to raise awareness about the human suffering and critical situation AIDS is creating on the continent of Africa.

History:
The Penny Project was initiated by the youth group at First United Methodist Church in Birmingham, Michigan, in June 2005.  Jack Burke, the son of Hannett, Wilson & Whitehouse owner Gerry Burke, has partaken in this project since the initial launch.  Jack has traveled around the world displaying his commitment and determination in completing this project. Now Brennan Burke has joined the effort to raise money for the charity.  Click below to view a slideshow which displays the youth group in action.     <Slideshow>

Facts:

The African continent is 20% of the world’s total landmass.

There are 900 million people in Africa and that is 14% of the world’s population.

Over 2,000 languages are spoken on the continent.

There are 15 million refugees in Africa.

66% of the African population is dependent on agriculture for survival.

34.3 million people around the world are infected with HIV/AIDS and 23 million of those people live in Sub-Saharan Africa.

There are 12 million AIDS orphans in Africa. 15% of these children are 0-4 years old, 35% are 5-9 years old, and 50% are 10-14 years old.

70% of the people of Africa live on less than $2 a day.

50% live on less than $1 a day.

200 million people go hungry every day in Africa.

The average life expectancy in Sub-Saharan Africa is only 46 years old.

How can I Help?
Please support Jack and Brennan Burke and their dedicated youth group in their mission to collect 23 million pennies.  Stop by and make a donation at our Hannett, Wilson and Whitehouse location or click below for information on becoming a partner in the Penny Project by making a donation. Every penny counts!