This year's World AIDS Day appeal raised $30,120, meaning $12,000 will go to the Wellness Fund, which provides direct financial assistance to people living with HIV. After costs, the remainder will be put towards the New Zealand AIDS Foundation's testing and prevention programmes. The NZAF says it has absorbed a major portion of the running costs of the appeal in 2014. The 2014 collection amount is a solid increase on 2013, when just $26,000 before costs came in, meaning only $8,800 for the Wellness Fund. “Though the money raised is better than last year, costs are rising and it is getting harder to encourage people to donate to street appeals, especially in Auckland,” says New Zealand AIDS Foundation Executive Director Shaun Robinson. “We acknowledge that all the groups representing people living with HIV draw on the Wellness Fund for individual support for people with the virus and that the fund needs income from the street appeal,” Robinson says. “With this in mind NZAF has absorbed more of the expenses of running the WAD than in previous years and this allows the Fund to receive $12,000 which is 36 per cent more than last year.” Wellington led the way in 2014 with collectors taking in $14,705, more than Auckland once. “Our volunteers in Wellington have been doing the street collections for years and consistency seems to be key,” Robinson says. The NZAF also points to the capital's concentrated geographical location, walking culture and residents having the highest disposable incomes in New Zealand. Robinson says World AIDS Day is not just about the money. “It is a valuable opportunity for raising awareness around HIV and this year high profile campaign around eliminating HIV Stigma has been invaluable.” Quick facts: 2014 collection: NZ$30,120 2013 collection: NZ$ 26,000 There was a 12% income increase from last year in 2014 Wellness Fund to receive NZ$12,000 (instead of $8,800) which is 36% more in 2014 NZAF says it absorbed a major portion of the running costs of the appeal in 2014
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily New staff
First published: Friday, 5th December 2014 - 9:35pm