Joelle Wyser-Pratte is no stranger to charity work. For years, she and her husband have donated generously through their broker dealer company in New York that funds the foundation they set up. Through their company, Joelle Wyser-Pratte created the Ounavarra Foundation, which donates to various projects and organizations. One of the organizations supported by Joelle Wyser-Pratte’s foundation is Ubuntu Africa.

“Ubuntu Africa is an organization that cares for HIV-positive children in South Africa. The organization focuses on HIV children in the impoverished community of Khayelitsha,” says Joelle Wyser-Pratte.

While there are organizations and assistance programs available for medical treatment in South Africa, many of the impoverished communities go without assistance and the spread of HIV has been at epidemic proportions. “Ubuntu Africa’s purpose is to reach out specifically to the impoverished community where help is needed but often not received,” says Joelle Wyser-Pratte.

To support Ubuntu Africa, Joelle Wyser-Pratte and husband actively participate in fundraising campaigns. Specifically, they participate in the Westchester Triathlon. “We have participated in the triathlon before and plan to start a team to expand our efforts this year,” says Joelle Wyser-Pratte.

Scheduled for September 29, 2013, Joelle Wyser-Pratte is part of a team that will participate in the triathlon event. She is no stranger to competing in triathlons. Previously, Joelle Wyser-Pratte completed a .9 mile swim, 25-mile bike ride and a 6.2 mile run to raise money for Ubuntu Africa. “The triathlon event raised $10,000 for the Ubuntu Africa organization,” says Joelle Wyser-Pratte.

Her future participation in the September 2013 Westchester Triathlon is again meant to benefit the Ubuntu Africa charity and her actions have inspired an entire team to join as well. It is Joelle Wyser-Pratte’s hope that more money will be raised this year to benefit the children suffering in Khayelitsha, South Africa. “The organization serves a very important purpose and I find the participation to raise money inspiring. It is a goal-oriented organization that I am proud to support,” says Joelle Wyser-Pratte. “I hope to raise 50,000 this year.”

Ubuntu Africa is one of several organizations Joelle Wyser-Pratte supports through donations and participation. She also supports the Educate Girls Globally as co-chair and the advisory board of Row New York, the Mariposa Foundation (newly joined as well) and Global Partnership Forum. Joelle Wyser-Pratte is driven to helping children meet their full potential and driving positive social change.