WALKED to End AIDS

September 26, 2011 by Peter O.

Yesterday was the Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life in Toronto. It was my first time attending this event and I had a lot of fun taking in the day’s energy. The unique diversity of people who came out, the cheers when the first walkers reached the finish line, and the combination of high-fives, free hugs, and cool costumes (yes, there was a Storm Trooper!), made for a really good day. Not to mention it was all for a great cause!

We had so many great people stop by our booth asking about CANFAR and also thanking us for the research projects we fund.

“I love the work you guys are doing,” said one gentleman on his bicycle, “Keep it up!”

Chris, CANFAR’s social media intern, shared a similar positive outlook: "The HIV and AIDS cause is such an important social concern and it was wonderful to see so much support. People from all ages were out to support the cause, from dozens of high school volunteers to the elderly."

Indeed, we were impressed with how many high school volunteers came out to give a helping hand (and foot) to The Walk. They loved hearing about our Have a Heart for CANFAR program and many were even actively involved in the program themselves. Talking with people who visited our booth was a solemn reminder of why we do what we do. As Chris put it, "HIV and AIDS don’t discriminate against any gender, race or religion and that was reflected in the diversity of support at this year’s walk. I was so glad to be a part of something so important."

Going to this event for the first time was definitely a positive experience for me, as I reflected on the work CANFAR does to help global awareness about HIV and AIDS, and finding a cure through research. Walks like these are good ways of uniting people with that cause. You will want to mark this walk in your calendars for next year.

Click here to see photos taken throughout the day.