AIDS walk next month

The local branch of a provincial union and the AIDS Committee of North Bay have formed a partnership to present
this year's walk for AIDS.

Further information is included in the following news release issued by the AIDS committee and OPSEU Region 6:

HIV/AIDS is rising among heterosexual young women between the ages of 15 and 29 years and among the aboriginal populations. To this day there remains no cure for AIDS. Once a person is infected with HIV, it is a life sentence. It CAN be prevented.

Though awareness and prevention efforts have been ongoing in this area and throughout the world, people continue to contract HIV in part because in many communities there remains a social stigma to having HIV/AIDS. This in-turn prevents people from talking about it or getting tested. Since it can take a long time for symptoms to surface in a person who has been infected, many people who have HIV don’t even know until years later, after they have innocently infected others.

Breaking down the “social stigma” and encouraging community leaders to help build comfort zones within their own communities to talk about HIV/AIDS is a worthy goal.

Through the LIVE AND LET LIVE FUND, representatives of OPSEU have designated AIDS as their key social and fundraising focus. Locally, OPSEU members have stepped forward to work with the AIDS Committee of North Bay and Area towards awareness and fundraising goals for this years’ annual Candlelight AIDS Walk for Life on September 24th at Lee Park.

“We have to stand up and speak on behalf of those who can’t speak for themselves. This Walk is not just a fundraiser, it’s about community awareness. It’s an opportunity for people to learn and to acknowledge it’s presence in their neighbourhood and to remember those who have already lost their lives to it.” says Sue Brown, Regional Vice President of OPSEU Region 6.

“It doesn’t all just happen in Toronto and Africa! It’s everywhere, and it’s here! People need to be aware that it doesn’t just happen to certain lifestyle groups. One slip up of unprotected sex between ANY two people can be pulling a trigger that ends your life! And we need to start talking about it so that everyone is comfortable talking about it, and this the ONLY way to prevent it from spreading and killing. So we invite everyone to come join us. Learn. Listen and talk about it. “

THE Candlelight AIDS Walk for Life is the largest fundraising event for the AIDS Committee of North Bay and Area. All funds raised remain local to help extend prevention efforts in this area. The Walk is an evening event that takes place along the Waterfront with candles and lanterns to serve as beacons of hope for those suffering from HIV/AIDS and to bring social awareness about HIV/AIDS in general. Those interested in participating in this year’s event may register online at www.aidsnorthbay.com or phone 497-3560.