lizann
27-11-2008, 11:32
Caring Kara Tointon has swapped Albert Square for Africa to help youngsters battle Aids.
The actress, who plays Dawn Swann, travelled to Zambia with Christian Aid to see how the charity is helping families hit by the disease.
She spent five days there and was stunned by the plight of families, who struggle to survive on just 60p a day.
Kara, 25, is now urging fans to give money to the cause rather than vote on reality shows.
She said: “I’m a bit gutted that I have done this at a time when people are struggling to pay the bills.
“But when we think of the reality shows that are on at the moment, the cost of one vote could save someone’s life.”
It was the first time the BBC soap star had visited Zambia, where 700,000 children have been orphaned due to Aids.
“It was a weird experience, because I didn’t really know what to expect,” she told LK Today.
“It’s not until it becomes personal that you really understand it. I met some incredible people.
“I had to leave a mud hut one day, where a family was eating barely one meal a day, and go to my hotel.
“That’s when it hit home. It made me realise how great my life is.”
To donate, log on to christianaid.org.uk or call 08080 006 006.
I hope she stays there
The actress, who plays Dawn Swann, travelled to Zambia with Christian Aid to see how the charity is helping families hit by the disease.
She spent five days there and was stunned by the plight of families, who struggle to survive on just 60p a day.
Kara, 25, is now urging fans to give money to the cause rather than vote on reality shows.
She said: “I’m a bit gutted that I have done this at a time when people are struggling to pay the bills.
“But when we think of the reality shows that are on at the moment, the cost of one vote could save someone’s life.”
It was the first time the BBC soap star had visited Zambia, where 700,000 children have been orphaned due to Aids.
“It was a weird experience, because I didn’t really know what to expect,” she told LK Today.
“It’s not until it becomes personal that you really understand it. I met some incredible people.
“I had to leave a mud hut one day, where a family was eating barely one meal a day, and go to my hotel.
“That’s when it hit home. It made me realise how great my life is.”
To donate, log on to christianaid.org.uk or call 08080 006 006.
I hope she stays there