World AIDS Day 2018: Be part of the Red Ribbon Appeal in NSW

ACON Red Ribbon VolunteersOrganisers of the 2018 Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal are calling on people throughout the state to join in efforts to end HIV transmission in NSW and support people living with HIV by participating in the annual fundraising event.

The Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal takes place in the lead up to and on World AIDS Day (1 December) and is organised by ACON, NSW’s leading HIV prevention, HIV support and LGBTI health organisation.

People can help out in numerous ways including volunteering to sell red ribbons on the street or at their workplace, shaking buckets and collecting donations at venues and theatres, purchasing red ribbon merchandise or making a donation online.

ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill says the need to remain focused on HIV prevention is more important than ever as NSW marches closer towards its goal of reducing HIV transmission by 2020. “After over 30 years of battling HIV, NSW is currently experiencing the lowest rates of new HIV transmissions since the epidemic began,” said Mr Parkhill.

“Thanks to recent advances in prevention, treatment and testing technologies, we now have the tools to continue to significantly reduce new HIV transmissions by 2020. But we need you to help us continue our work. This year we’re asking people to join us and help make HIV history by getting involved in the Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal, which is our most important fundraising activity of the year.”

“By volunteering to sell ribbons on the street or at your workplace, or by purchasing and wearing a red ribbon, you can help raise money and awareness. Volunteers play a key role in helping to spread the word about how we can end HIV by testing often, treating early and staying safe.”

“Every dollar raised helps fund our work in providing community-based initiatives that aim to reduce new HIV transmissions, and deliver programs and services that support people living with HIV. Even with tremendous progress being made, we cannot afford to lose focus, we must continue to work together to reduce HIV transmissions.”

“We can all be a part of that by supporting the Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal. Any contribution helps us to help others so please be generous and volunteer to be part of our team for World AIDS Day, and make a difference that will last forever,” added Mr Parkhill.

HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

Sell Red Ribbons:
You can volunteer to sell ribbons on the street, you can bulk order ribbons and sell them to family and friends, or you can order a countertop box and sell ribbons to your customers or colleagues.

  • The 2018 Red Ribbon Street Appeal will take place on Friday 30 November and Saturday 1 December.
  • Shifts are available in a range of locations in Sydney’s CBD and inner suburbs as well as selected locations throughout regional NSW.
  • Morning and lunchtime shifts are available.
  • Businesses/organisations can order counter top boxes stocked with ribbons and merchandise.
  • For more information and to register visit: www.redribbonappeal.org.au

Buy Red Ribbons or Make a Donation:
You can buy red ribbons online, on the street, or in participating shops and businesses, or you can make a cash donation online at www.redribbonappeal.org.au

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