Dear All,

I know the problems in the world today seem overwhelming and insurmountable. Every day we survive economic pressures, hear about global warming, become immersed in issues at home and in the work place.

We are constantly bombarded by the media with emphasis on the bad news but very little on the good.

The problem of landmines left behind by wars seems very distant to us, as we go about our business, secure in our home and workplace. I only fully understood the tragedy after I had been amongst people personally affected by landmines.

I know it is hard to imagine your children not being safe from stepping on a landmine as they walk to school, hard to imagine trying to farm your fields around unexploded landmines or even to step in between mines to get your daily water requirements.

But this scenario is all too familiar for far too many people in the world.

Unexploded landmines render fertile land unusable which does not just impact on people, but on wildlife, the environment and ultimately a nation's economy.

You can help us ! The Sole of Africa's drive to succeed comes from you, from our Patrons to the ordinary individual, from corporate funding and to the privately funded music festivals - all are essential to The Sole of Africa. It is important to point out that your contribution is not a "hand out", but an aid to removing the problem that is preventing people from living a normal life and building a sustainable future. By helping us you are enabling them to help themselves.

In a new global drive to raise awareness we will be launching an exciting competition in the next two weeks, in which we are sure you will participate.

Today is full of possibilities and you could do something positive for us right now by simply forwarding this newsletter to a friend, by clicking on the link at the bottom of the page. The impact of your action will generate awareness of the landmine issue in our global village. You become part of the solution.

Then, take a moment and look at our videos on YouTube and Put Your Foot Down. As Salvidor Dali said "Life is too short to go unnoticed."

With peace, love and happiness
Kai Von Pannier
Managing Director: The Sole of Africa SA