BeadsForLife Thanks Clay Aiken Fans

BeadsForLife, a non-profit organization that is raising funds for the impovishered people of Uganda thanked Clay fans for their support in a newsletter sent out to its supporters earlier this week. The newsletter said:

In the past year BeadforLife has received support from many unexpected groups. One of these is the fans of pop music star Clay Aiken, an American Idol super star singer. In 2005 Clay, who cares about the welfare of children, was a UN ambassador to Uganda. He came to witness the plight of the children made refugees by the war in Northern Uganda. More than half of the beaders are refugees from this war. When he returned a fan spotted Clay wearing a paper bead necklace given to him by a young Ugandan. A Google search by fans, who call themselves "The Fandom," quickly brought them to BeadforLife.

Since then individuals in the Fandom have sponsored almost thirty Bead Parties before Clay's concerts and are planning others during the summer tour.

Thank you, Fandom, for selling and buying the beads, like the beautiful orange bracelet that Clay wears. We are proud of you for caring about the displaced and the poor in Uganda.

"Appoiyo MaTai" - Thank you in Luo from all of the beaders"

Clay was touched when he visited Uganda under a veil of secrecy in 2005 as part of his UNICEF ambassador work. The country is facing an unprecedented social crisis as its healthcare, education and infrastructure continue to recover from years of war. The situation is still critical as violence continues to erupt on a daily basis.

To see how you can help, please visit the organization's website.