Since 1988, the 1st of December each year is World AIDS Day - marked globally to increase awareness, fight prejudice, improve education and raise money to combat the virus. The New Zealand AIDS Foundation is calling for volunteers in Auckland to help run its annual Red Ribbon street appeal on Friday 30 November. The appeal is held to mark World AIDS Day, with monies raised going towards the NZAF Wellness Fund, which provides grants for people living with HIV and AIDS. Over $6,000 was raised in last year's street collection, and the Foundation is hoping to increase the total this year with volunteers working in Queen St, K' Rd and Ponsonby Rd. The Foundation estimates that around 2,000 people are living with HIV in New Zealand today. New diagnoses over the last few years have been at their highest ever, and most of these have been in Auckland. "Catching a virus is easy, that's our message for this year," says World AIDS Day co-ordinator Edward Cowley. "Most HIV in New Zealand is acquired sexually, and using condoms consistently is the best way to protect yourself against infection." As well as giving a boost for the NZAF Wellness Fund, World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for awareness raising around HIV and AIDS, and the communities most affected. "We only need a few hours of your time - an extended lunch break, or in between shopping," says Edward Cowley. "It's really worthwhile and can be fun. You'll be handing out red ribbons and helping to remind people that HIV is still here in our communities, particularly among gay and bisexual men." If you wish to put yourself forward as a volunteer for the Red Ribbon appeal, contact Edward Cowley at the New Zealand AIDS Foundation on (09) 300 6961 or edward.cowley@nzaf.org.nz
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Wednesday, 14th November 2007 - 9:43pm