A few of you have written to me over the past few days to let me know that I have been noticeably absent. My apologies to those of you who regularly read this blog.

I’ve been busy putting the finishing touches on my book, “AFRICA: Beginning A Journey”. I am happy to report that it is with my publisher as I type this and I am now ready to accept preorders for this book.

As many of you know, my wife and I took at trip to South Africa and Zambia back in April of this year. We were both touched by the beauty of this place and the extreme pain many of its people endure.

There is also a sad reality in Africa – there is an AIDS/HIV pandemic and by 2010, it is estimated that 25 million (yes, you read that correctly) African children will be orphaned by this disease. 25 million is almost the entire population of Canada! In my opinion, it is not enough to shed tears for these children – we need to help them fast and help them to help themselves.

It is for this reason I have created this book and 100% of the profits will be donated to Foster Parents Plan with the funds being directed to African projects that support children affected by AIDS/HIV.

It is a 100 page 9″ x 12″ Limited Edition hardcover book with only 1,000 copies being printed. The delivery date will be in late January 2007.

Not sure what gift to get that special person for Christmas who has everything? Get them this book – it full of beautiful African images and you will be supporting a great cause.

If you order a book (or two) as a Christmas gift, just let me know (when you order your copy) and I’ll include gift card to put under the Christmas tree.

You can order your copy by clicking here for $CAD 49.99 each plus taxes and shipping. You can alternatively go to www.roelphoto.com/africabook to order your copy online. You can pay via cheque, credit card or Paypal.

Please join me in helping in supporting some of the world’s most vulnerable children. Oh yes… all funds raised will be matched dollar for dollar by the Canadian government through CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency). So, here’s a chance to make your money work twice as hard towards a great cause!

Thanks for your support!