Emergency shipment of condoms on its way to Vancouver Olymips

Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research
News Research

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Toronto, ON - Thousands of condoms are racing across the country to meet the needs of the Vancouver Olympics.

While Vancouver health officials provided 100,000 free condoms to athletes and officials of the 2010 Olympic Games, some clinics were already running out. The Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR) responded by sending three large boxes of condoms to Vancouver this week.

"When we heard about the condom shortage in Vancouver, we felt it important to respond immediately," said Kerry Whiteside, CANFAR's Executive Director.

"Safer sex is key to preventing the spread of the HIV virus."

Free condoms have been distributed at the Olympics since the 1992 games in Barcelona. The shipment of over 8,500 condoms from CANFAR is expected to arrive at Olympic sites on Thursday.

"It is a really good opportunity to use the profile of the Olympics to put positive health promotion messages out there," said Dr. Reka Gustafson, Medical Officer of Health for the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority. "We appreciate CANFAR's contribution."

About CANFAR

Founded in 1987, the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research raises awareness to generate funds for research into all aspects of HIV and AIDS. The only organization in Canada that operates for the sole purpose of privately funding HIV/AIDS research, CANFAR finances AIDS researchers at educational, hospital and health facilities, research institutes, and established community service organizations across Canada. To date, CANFAR has provided approximately $16 million to HIV/AIDS research projects.

Visit www.CANFAR.com for more information.

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