FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rivanna Announces Partnership with CPAR Tanzania

Charlottesville, VA (February 2, 2007) – Rivanna Natural Designs, Inc., a leading provider of environmentally responsible gifts, plaques, and awards, announced today that it has formed a partnership with Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief (CPAR), a non-governmental organization (NGO) that works to overcome poverty and promote healthy lifestyles in Africa.

CPAR has programs in four locations in Africa:  Ethiopia, Uganda, Malawi and Tanzania.  Rivanna will specifically support the program in Tanzania. The partnership will enable Rivanna’s clients to contribute to several of CPAR’s current initiatives in Tanzania’s Karatu district. As part of the partnership, Rivanna will offer a new line of awards specially designed to reflect the ideals of CPAR. For each award purchased, Rivanna will donate a portion of the proceeds to CPAR for programs including tree-planting, building energy-conserving stoves, bringing clean water to primary schools, and supporting women living with HIV/AIDs.

“We are very pleased to support CPAR’s important work in Tanzania,” said Rivanna Natural Designs president Crystal Mario. “Our partnership with CPAR Tanzania enables us to support community-based initiatives that are closely aligned with our company’s ideals.  These are initiatives that are already making a significant difference, particularly in the lives of African women and children. 

“By partnering with Rivanna, CPAR Tanzania will be able to expand vital programs to improve access to clean water and adequate sanitation, basic healthcare, and education,” CPAR’s Country Director for Tanzania, Jean Goerzen, remarked. “We’re working on some great projects and are thrilled that Rivanna will be helping us to implement them.”

Tanzania is home to Africa’s highest peak (Mt. Kilimanjaro), its largest lake (Lake Victoria), and some of its most spectacular topography, including the Great Rift Valley, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti.  It is considered to be one of the poorest countries in the world, with its Human Development Index value placing it 164th among 177 countries (Human Development Report 2005).

Rivanna’s new line of awards will be introduced in February 2007. 

ABOUT RIVANNA NATURAL DESIGNS

Rivanna Natural Designs creates and distributes awards, plaques, and corporate gifts made from organic or recycled materials and certified, sustainably harvested woods. Founded in 2001, the company is a leading U.S. provider of environmentally responsible gifts and awards, with clients in 35 states. Information regarding Rivanna Natural Designs can be found at www.rivannadesigns.com.

ABOUT CPAR TANZANIA

CPAR was founded in 1984 in response to the extreme famine and poor health conditions faced by Ethiopian refugees in Sudan. CPAR Tanzania works in partnership with vulnerable communities and diverse organizations to overcome poverty and help build healthy communities in the Karatu District of Arusha region in northern Tanzania.  More information about CPAR can be found at www.cparfoundation.org.

CONTACT:

Crystal Mario
Rivanna Natural Designs, Inc.
434-244-3447
cmario@rivannadesigns.com

Roxane Tracey
CPAR
1-800-263-2727 ext 26
rtracey@cpar.ca      

Jean Goerzen
CPAR Tanzania
jgoerzen@cpar.ca