Executive Directors

Jim and Chris Newton

Chris and Jim Newton, long-time Edmonton residents, are the unpaid executive directors of Edzimkulu. They currently live near Underberg, South Africa, and headquarters for the charity. Their interest and commitment came during a trip to Southern Africa in the fall of 2002. While traveling through Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa they gradually formed a plan to work in support of AIDS orphans.

Originally, the plan was to purchase crafts from artisans in Southern Africa, sell the crafts in Edmonton, and send the proceeds back to HIV/AIDS orphanages. However, a visit to the Natal Drakensberg, where an ideal property was discovered, changed the plan to one of living in the area and operating a charity themselves.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic has ravaged Africa, particularly in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, and the need for support of children and adults affected by HIV/AIDS is critical. Edzimkulu provides economic support to the children, and their communities, in a way that allows the children to remain in their communities. It is supported by private donations, foundations and organizations, both in Canada and in South Africa, as well as by the Department of Health in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. Edzimkulu operates on the principle of connecting the people of the Edmonton region with the people of the Underberg region of South Africa. It thus has a large educational component, both in Edmonton and in the Underberg region.

Chris and Jim are working with volunteers from the Edzimkulu headquarters near Underberg, and Edzimkulu volunteers are active in the region most days of the week.