A gay Auckland Christian congregation is supporting fundraising efforts for young AIDS sufferers overseas. The Metropolitan Community Church is to present a $10,000 cheque on behalf of the Swindells Trust to the Christian World Service at its Sunday, 14 March service at Aotea Chapel. Church pastor Doug McGee says a member of the congregation administers the charitable trust. The money, boosted by government funds, will be used to help HIV+ children in Uganda. While members worry that infection rates in New Zealand have climbed, they are still concerned about the global nature of the AIDS pandemic and want to support sufferers, particularly children, in the Third World. The Metropolitan Community church, based at the Aotea Chapel at 370 Queen St opposite the Town Hall, has served Auckland's gay community since 1975. Healing and counselling services are available, while Mr McGee also performs holy unions for same-sex couples.