What had become a summer tradition, Patrick4Life has announced it is ceasing operations.
'It raises awareness about HIV/AIDS and promotes healthy lifestyle choices.' Brandon Buril Patrick 4 Life Executive Assistant said at this year's event.
See: Patrick 4 Life Family Run Walk keeps the conversation about HIV/AIDS going
The board of Patrick 4 Life has announced it is shutting down activities at the end of the month.
Over 200 people registered for Patrick 4 Life Family Run Walk for the event this June. Over 22,000 students have participated in the program over the past 11 years.
Money raised supports an educational program which focuses on HIV/AIDS awareness, and physical activity for youngsters in grades three to eight.
It was a six week program taught in the classroom, that raised awareness about HIV and AIDS using age appropriate materials. It also taught kids' about the importance of daily physical activity and making healthy lifestyle choices.
The Partici-Patrick grade 3 to 8 curriculum and teacher supports will continue to be available, for free, on the AIDS Committee of North Bay and Area website.
The event was born out of the tragedy of Patrick Fortin’s death at the age of 23 in 2001. Patrick was born in Kapuskasing, June 26th, 1978, and diagnosed a severe hemophiliac.
On the groups's Facebook page was written, "Thank you North Bay. Thank you for all the amazing years of constant support. Although this was a very tough decision, it is the right decision. Without your support, none of this would have been made possible. Together, we have truly made a difference."
Chair of the Patrick4 Life board Michel Paulin says the program which operated for more than a decade has had quite the impact
“The partnership with the schools, first nations organizations, the health unit, teachers and community volunteers have instilled positive core values of dignity and respect.”
Paulin says they thought about this decision for more than a year and it was a difficult one to make.
“Given the positive feedback we received from the schools and the community at large it’s actually very difficult and emotional for me even to talk about. It was that difficult a decision.”
But he says it was necessary as it was getting hard to ensure the sustainability of the organization without financial support.
