Organisers of this year’s Red Ribbon Appeal are calling on people to help make history and join in efforts to end HIV transmission in NSW by participating in the annual fundraising event. Launching today, the Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal takes place in the lead up to and on World AIDS Day on Monday 1 December 2014.
ACON are looking for volunteers to help with the Appeal’s street collection, which will take place in Sydney on Sunday 30 November and Monday 1 December. Throughout the month of November donations can be made and Red Ribbon merchandise can be purchased online at www.endinghiv.org.au or in participating shops and businesses.
ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill says the focus of the event continues to align with NSW’s new approach to eliminating HIV transmission by 2020. As a result of recent advances in HIV treatments and testing technologies, we now have the ability to virtually eliminate HIV transmission in NSW by the end of the decade.
“After 30 years of battling HIV/AIDS, the fact that we now have the capacity to end HIV transmission within 10 years is incredibly significant,” said Mr Parkhil.
“This is especially so for the tens of thousands of individuals, family members and friends throughout Australia who have been affected by the virus. So this year, we’re asking people to join us and help make HIV history by getting involved in the Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal.”
“By volunteering to sell ribbons on the street or in your workplace, or by purchasing and wearing a red ribbon, you can help raise money to fund programs and services that are vital to ending HIV transmission in NSW. You’ll also be helping spread the word about how we can end HIV by testing more, treating early and staying safe.”
“Now is the time for us to work together to free our community from HIV transmission. It’s history in the making and we can all be a part of that by supporting the Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal. So please join us and make a difference that will last forever.”
ACON are encouraging people to help make a difference by volunteering to sell ribbons on the street, or bulk order ribbons and sell them to family and friends. You can also order a countertop box and sell ribbons to your customers or colleagues. Alternatively, you can buy red ribbons online, on the street, or participating shops and businesses. Donations can also be made online.
For more information or to get involved, visit: www.endinghiv.org.au for details.
Image: courtesy of ACON