FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 1, 2009
Toronto, ON – Over 100 youth volunteers flooded the streets of Toronto today to hand out red ribbons for World AIDS Day and spread awareness about HIV/AIDS. Donations collected today will support leading‐edge HIV/AIDS research through the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research.
"The number of Canadians living with HIV/AIDS is still growing. A quarter of these people are unaware that they are HIV‐positive," said Kerry Whiteside, Executive Director of CANFAR. "World AIDS Day and the Red Ribbon Campaign encourage Canadians to be both informed and integral in finding an end to the AIDS pandemic."
In Canada, 50 to 60 per cent of grade nine students wrongly believe there is a cure for AIDS. As a part of CANFAR’s national Red Ribbon Campaign, high school and university students across the country handed out ribbons to their friends and classmates, while also educating them about HIV/AIDS.
MOBILE RED RIBBONS
For the first time ever, CANFAR also distributed mobile red ribbons today.
Mobile phone users can still text RIBBON to 30333 to receive this year’s mobile ribbon. A $5 donation to CANFAR will be added to the recipient’s phone bill. CANFAR is among the first charities in Canada to make use of this cutting‐edge technology.
MAYOR MILLER DECLARES DECEMBER 1 WORLD AIDS DAY
At a press conference today, Toronto Mayor David Miller declared December 1, 2009 as World AIDS Day in Toronto.
"The young people who stood on the streets of Toronto handing out red ribbons today fought back against AIDS through awareness and education. They have exemplified the strength of spirit that Torontonians are known around the world for," said Mayor Miller. "I am proud of all those who wore their red ribbons today and took part in World AIDS Day activities. These are Torontonians who are determined to finally end AIDS."
Speakers at today’s press conference highlighted the tremendous work of Canadian HIV/AIDS researchers, the urgent need for more HIV/AIDS education, and called for support towards a cure.
YOUTH FOR A CURE
Volunteers from high schools across Toronto, working under the "United Youth Initiative" banner, distributed red ribbons in high‐traffic areas throughout Toronto, including the Eaton Centre, Yorkdale Mall and Union station. Meanwhile, high schools, colleges, and universities across the country organized World AIDS Day activities and ribbon distributions of their own.
"We’re very fortunate to have all these dedicated and energetic volunteers," said Jenna Kellner, CANFAR’s National Programs Manager. "They are the key to spreading awareness among youth, which is so important to ending AIDS. Together, I’m confident that this generation has what it takes to help find a cure."
ABOUT CANFAR
2009 marks CANFAR’s 22nd year of leading AIDS research in Canada. Founded in 1987, the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research raises funds for research into all aspects of HIV and AIDS. The only organization in Canada that operates for the sole purpose of privately funding HIV/AIDS research, CANFAR finances AIDS researchers at educational, hospital and health facilities, research institutes, and established community service organizations across Canada. To date, CANFAR has provided approximately $17 million to HIV/AIDS research projects.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:Holly Bacchus Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research T: 416‐361‐6281
