Kids for Cotlands

A Home for the HIV/AIDS Orphans of South Africa

Cotlands is a long-serving South African 'non-profit' agency that continues to meet the ever-changing needs of children impacted by HIV/AIDS. Like a Child is a wonderful song performed by Glenn Marais and where all the proceeds of the sales of go to help finance a new home for the children of Cotlands.

If you would like to help, you can either Purchase Glenn's CD Like a Child or donate at Cotlands.org. You could also get involved by going here for some ideas or start your own project. You can email Glenn for more information. Listen to Like a Child

Glenn and his work with Cotlands:

In November 2005 Glenn went to South Africa (where his parents originated) and filmed the video for his song, Like a Child. Much of the footage for the video was shot at an orphanage, named Cotlands, in the Western Cape Region of South Africa. To see the video go to Likeachild.ca

Cotlands Orphanage for Childen in South Africa

Glenn singing to children at Cotlands	Glenn and Monica (Director of Cotlands)
Monica with a very young child at Cotlands	Glenn playing with orphaned toddlers

After the video was filmed, Glenn, who is also a performer and inspirational speaker through his company, Music in Mind, created shows to take to schools so that students would become more globally aware and exposed to the different ways that they can become more active in the social justice arena. Glenn is a gifted musician and speaker and his honesty and charisma win over all audiences - young and old- and inspire them to action! He also performs as often as he can to promote the cause and raise money and awareness.

On Sunday Aug.13th 2006, the video Like a Child debuted at the Rogers Centre at the Toronto International AIDS Conference. On Friday Aug.18th 2006 Glenn closed the AIDS conference with a performance of Like a Child in front of 7000 people and was broadcast internationally on CBC Newsworld.

Glenn performing in Toronto at the 2006 Aids Concert

Glenn on stage in Toronto	Glenn at the Toronto World Aids Conference
The 2006 Toronto World Aids Conference	Glenn singing at the Toronto Aids Conference

Glenn's next project

In Sepember 2006, Glenn contacted Cotlands to inform them that he was planning a concert, entitled Africa Awake, in Cape Town, South Africa. It was originally planned for December 1st, 2007, World Aids Day. The goal of the concert was to raise money for Cotlands, as well as raising awareness globally and fostering a sense of community and pride in the townships and communities of South Africa. Monica Buitendag , the director of Cotlands Orphanage in South Africa, informed Glenn that the lease for the building they were in was about to expire, and that they needed help to get a new building. This made the need for the concert even more immense. The concert has been delayed until December 1st, 2008. All of the major pieces are in place, Cape Town City Council is endorsing and sponsoring the concert, a major promoter, Oppikkoppi Productions has agreed to mount the event, there was a stadium designated for the event, Athlone Stadium, in Cape Town and an incredible talent, Yvonne Chaka Chaka has agreed to headline the show. Both the promoter and city council are comfortable and in agreement with the new date.

What schools are doing to help

The possibility of Cotlands losing their building was the impetus that started the Glenn Marais Foundation. The campaign that is currently underway is called "Kids for Cotlands". Most of the money raised has been through the hard work and dedication of schools and individual children. After Glenn performs at a school many students are motivated to do fundraisers. Many York Region District Schools have had successful fundraisers - Doncrest Public School's Student Council raised $1000 by selling hot chocolate and candy grams; Red Maple raised $2000 through a read-a-thon. There are so many touching stories of children raising money on their own as well, including one student who asked his friends not to buy him birthday gifts but to use that money to make a donation to Kids for Cotlands. The stories are endless.

On October 4th, 2007, a Kids for Cotlands Charity Concert was held at Newmarket Theatre which raised over $5000.-. Performers included Glenn and adult talent as well as many young York Region residents; Paige read her book, and Bilaal Rajan spoke. A fabulous evening!

Kids for Cotlands Fundraisers

Presentation of a donation by Blake Culley	Emma Rutledge presenting donation
Robert and Aaron receive recognition for their fundraising from Markham Mayor, Frank Scarpitti	Robert Barkin, organizer of Grade Five picnic

The Glenn Marais Foundation

The Glenn Marais Foundation continues to work with schools and organizations trying to meet the goal of saving Cotlands. It is incredibly inspiring to work towards our goal, but more importantly to see the difference it is making in our children and youth. Over and over we are told by teachers and parents what an impact Glenn, the video, the follow up units, fundraising projects, etc. are having on kids and youth. I have witnessed this myself in the 2 schools I have taught at since Like a Child came out.

Glenn is truly a gift; his ability to inspire and transform people is awe inspiring. Beyond raising money for a great cause to help children in Africa, the Kids for Cotlands project is really helping the children here in Canada as well. I guess it's like that saying, "You can not be a truly happy person until you do something for someone who will never be able to do anything for you."

Want to help? Here's how. Or email Glenn for more information.