Despite fears that global financial contagion might affect donations, an initial report back from the money counters at the NZ AIDS Foundation suggests that World AIDS Day 2008 was widely supported by New Zealanders. Loose change to make a difference: Volunteer Robbie in Auckland World AIDS Day Street Appeals, where volunteers collected donations in exchange for red ribbons, were held in Auckland and Wellington and preliminary results suggest that each city raised between $16,000 and $18,000. Competition was fierce this year between the two major cities, with dozens of Aucklanders mobilising after a major drubbing last year by the crew in Wellington, who raised $18,000 in 2007 compared the Aucklanders' $6,500. In other areas of New Zealand such as Northland and Christchurch, community events were widely supported and well attended. Business partners including the Accor hotel group and all 26 stores of the Body Shop also helped raise funds and promote awareness of HIV with collections over a week long period. Some of these appeals are continuing and final figures for the proceeds are not yet available. The NZ AIDS Foundation's Executive Director Rachael Le Mesurier described the response to World AIDS Day 2008 as "wholehearted and generous. New Zealanders have continued to support people living with, and affected by HIV, as well as HIV prevention initiatives." The donations raised by the NZAF on World AIDS Day support HIV prevention and the NZAF Wellness Fund which provides direct financial assistance for health related costs, for people living with HIV to access support when alternative sources of funding are not available. Le Mesurier says "World AIDS Day raises funds and also awareness of the risks of acquiring HIV and the effects of stigma and discrimination. Internationally as well as locally, World AIDS Day reminds us that the only way to stop the HIV epidemic is to stop transmitting HIV. Condoms and water-based lube are still by far the best way to prevent transmission of this dangerous virus. Nobody should have to experience the side effects of medications, seriously affected lifestyle, and the stigma and discrimination that people living with HIV in NZ experience." Donations can still be made online at www.nzaf.org.nz/donate or by texting 'AIDS' in the body of a text message to the number 883 to make an instant donation of $3.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Friday, 5th December 2008 - 9:39pm