LONDON, 5 June. - (ANA) - More than £650,000 ($1 million) raised at its 8th annual London charity gala Thursday to transform the lives of 2,000 children and their families in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

The charity event brought Ubuntu’scradle to career model to centre stage, celebrating the impact of the organisation’s innovative health and educational initiatives. Funds raised go towards Ubuntu’s prevention from mother to child HIV programme, early childhood development, mentorship, and job training programmes.

Jacob Lief, Founder and CEO, said that the Ubuntu Centre is not just a centre of excellence; it is an example of the potential that exists in the world. "Our Centre offers educational and health programming and facilities on par with anything you would find here in London", he said.

The London event celebrated Ubuntu's history of changing the odds for the thousands of children and families impacted by their work in the townships of Port Elizabeth featured a performance by South African jazz legend, Hugh Masekela as well as internationally acclaimed beatboxer and World Loopstation Champion SHLOMO and internationally renowned brass band, Brassroots.
The evening was capped off by a live auction of rare experiences/items including; two small pieces of art created by renowned London artist Matthew Small as well as tickets to the 2015 Victoria Secret fashion show. - (ANA)

AB/ANA/ 5 June 2015 - - -