On October 4, 2003, a musical chain will be created across the world at precisely 19h30 hours local time when concerts will be held in cities, towns and villages in every continent.

The concerts will be an international celebration of hospice and palliative care services and will also provide a lively and enjoyable fundraising opportunity for local palliative care initiatives.

Voices for Hospices is the world’s largest musical event. It gives hospices the opportunity to raise funds, awareness and practical support for their work by organising their own musical performances under the umbrella of Voices for Hospices. This will be the fourth time that such a worldwide “Mexican Wave” of concerts has been held in this cause. The last one, in October 2000, achieved the widest international involvement so far: no fewer that 43 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and America were linked by the performances. More than 550 concerts took place and at least £1 million was raised for the work of local hospices and palliative care services.

Monies raised through this event will support hundreds of terminally ill patients and their families throughout the greater Johannesburg area. Hospice has had to assume a fundamental role in HIV/AIDS effectiveness, especially in Soweto, due to the alarming disease epidemic.

More information from Ashleigh Bird on 011 483 1068 or 083 280-3085, fax 011 728 2098 or e-mail: h96@mweb.co.za