NZAF patron Governor General Gerry Mateparae pitches in with a collection bucket. The national fund to assist HIV Positive people in extreme financial stress has been topped up by just under $12,000 now that the proceeds of the World AIDS Day Collection centred around December 1st last year have ben confirmed. The cash-strapped Wellness Fund has benefitted by $11,687 from the total collection proceeds of $32,459. In past years the full collection proceeds after expenses went to the Fund which was overseen by the NZ AIDS Foundation - which also organises the collection. In June last year HIV positive people's peer support organisation Body Positive took over management of the fund including disbursements on behalf of all such peer support organisations. The NZAF agreed to keep organising the collection only if it could retain half the net proceeds to supplement its Government-funded prevention work. “The day of the World AIDS Day street appeal was cold and blustery,” says Shaun Robinson, NZAF Executive Director. “Fewer people were outside on the streets and that plus donor fatigue following the Christchurch earthquakes which has affected other appeals means we’re pleased with this result.” Robinson says the proceeds of the appeal are "on par" with 2010 which raised $34,693 and 2009 when the total was $35,427 and adds that the NZAF took steps to limit the expenses for this and future collections. As well as street collections in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Gore, there were parties, events and collections in farmer’s markets, malls, hotels, shops, libraries, Needle Exchanges and sexual health centres. “We saw a greater level of interest from small groups and community organisations” says Robinson. “It’s very rewarding to know that there is a growing awareness of the significance of World AIDS Day to New Zealand communities.” Body Positive requested an interim $10,000 payment from the proceeds in January when the Wellness Fund hit rock bottom and General Manager Bruce Kilmister says they are looking forward to receiving the balance as the fund's bank account is "woefully low." He says other fundraising initiatives will have to be mounted if those in dire need are to be assisted by the Fund throughout this year. You can discuss this New Zealand gay community news story in the GayNZ.com Forum.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 8th March 2012 - 2:46pm