AIDS Candlelight Memorials are once again taking place around the country this year, a reminder of the impact that HIV still has on many lives. One of the worlds oldest and largest grassroots mobilisation campaign for HIV awareness, the memorial day first started in 1983 and now takes place in 115 countries around the world. This year is the 33rd year of the international memorial and is not only a chance to raise awareness of HIV, but to remember friends and family that have been lost to AIDS. This year’s theme is ‘Engage, Educate and Empower’. Engaging communities, organisations and governments, educating the current and next generations about HIV treatment, prevention and care, and empowering people living with HIV to stand up for their right to live a life free from stigma and discrimination. The memorials also fall in the NZAF’s HIV testing month, dedicated to testing and raising awareness of the importance of testing in HIV prevention. Services will be held on Sunday 15 May in Auckland, Wellington and Hamilton. Wellington 4pm Tararua Tramping Clubrooms 4 Moncrieff St (off Elizabeth St), Mt Victoria Hamilton 7pm Lady Goodfellow Chapel University of Waikato Auckland 6pm St Matthews in the City Cnr Hobson
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 4th May 2016 - 10:12am