Toronto Kicks Off Largest AIDS Fundraiser
Thousands of Participants Lace Up For the 21st Annual Scotiabank AIDS WALK for Life Toronto
PRESS RELEASE
September 11, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009, Corner of Church and Carlton Streets
WHAT: 21st Annual Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life Toronto
WHEN: Sunday, September 13, 2009
11:00am Registration, Community Fair, Marketplace & Kids' Zone Open
11:00am Beer Garden Opens
1:20pm Opening Ceremony Welcome & Warm up
2:00pm AIDS Walk for Life starts
3:00pm Post Walk Party rocks Church Street
4:00pm Marketplace and Kids' Zone close
6:00pm Event Ends
WHY: For over 25 years, The AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) has been providing leadership to prevent new HIV infections. Working closely with our community we develop prevention programs and bold initiatives to promote health and create sustainable progress against HIV. In this challenging economy, fundraising events such as the Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life Toronto guarantee vital programs for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.
WHO: Proceeds from this years walk will go towards funding the practical and social support programs ACT provides to people living with HIV/AIDS in Toronto, including:
- Buddy program
- Retreat weekends
- Drives and Moves program
- Food programs
Special guests who will speak at the opening ceremony include: MP for Toronto Centre Bob Rae, George Smitherman, MPP and Councillor Kyle Rae.
25 years into the pandemic, there is still a need for action. Every day,
two people are newly infected with HIV in Toronto. ACT provides support
services to meet the needs of the growing number of people in our community
living with HIV/AIDS. We also do community outreach and education to stop the
spread of the virus.
Special musical performances by: Divine Brown, Soular and Roger Mooking. Pre-ceremony entertainment provided by DJ Sumation. Hosted by Gavin Crawford from This Hour Has 22 Minutes.
Special musical performances by: Divine Brown, Soular and Roger Mooking. Pre-ceremony entertainment provided by DJ Sumation. Hosted by Gavin Crawford from This Hour Has 22 Minutes.
(For best availability for photos and interviews, come to the Media Tent prior to the opening ceremony located on Church Street south of Wood Street)
"Our goal is to support people who are living with HIV/AIDS and create awareness in order to bring an end to this terrible disease. Only then will we be able to truly celebrate," says Michael Mitchell, Chair of the 2009 Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life Toronto. "From 1985 to 2005, Toronto accounted for 30% of all positive HIV test reports in Canada; we have an important job in front of us!"
About ACT:
The AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) has been providing a wide range of programs and services to people living with and at risk for HIV/AIDS since 1983. We work in specific communities that have been hard-hit by HIV/AIDS to stop the spread of HIV through education, outreach and community action. We help HIV-positive people in many different ways - everything from food programs and access to furniture, to counselling, support groups and help returning to the workforce. We also offer information, advice and support to the friends and family of those living with HIV/AIDS. As a leader in HIV/AIDS programs and services, we take part in research that helps us to better understand and respond to the needs of those we serve.
To learn more about the Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life in Toronto, please visit our website at www.aidswalkforlifetoronto.ca
For more information, please contact
Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life in Toronto
Janet Bray
416-866-5727
janet_bray@scotiafunds.com
"Reproduced with permission -Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life "
Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life
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