AIDS groups take part in history

Organisers of the first-ever Sydney Walk for AIDS fundraiser on Sunday week are urging the community to show their support for the historic event.

ACON, the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation (BGF) and People Living With HIV/AIDS (NSW) hope to see 2,000 people take the two-kilometre walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens on 27 November as part of AIDS Awareness Week.

The Walk for AIDS will raise money for the three organisations, marking the first time they have worked together on a fundraiser.

It’s historic that the three peak HIV/AIDS organisations -“ ACON, BGF and PLWHA (NSW) -“ have come together, ACON events and fundraising coordinator David Wilkins told Sydney Star Observer.

We’re hoping that people will realise with the three of us coming together, we really want to start something new -¦ and set this up for the future.

We’re hoping that in five years’ time this will be something fantastic and really celebrated and raising lots of money.

Walk for AIDS participants will pay a $20 registration fee and can sign up sponsors.

The Walk for AIDS fundraising model has proved popular overseas.

ACON is also encouraging people to take part in its annual HIV/AIDS fundraiser the Red Ribbon Appeal, after witnessing slipping levels of volunteer support in recent years.

Volunteers will sell red ribbons, wristbands and pins in inner Sydney on 26 November and on World AIDS Day on 1 December.

People can sell them on the streets, in their workplace, to their friends, or make a donation, Wilkins said.

The Walk for AIDS is on Sunday 27 November from 10am to noon. For more information or to register visit the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation website or call 1800 651 011. To volunteer for ACON’s Red Ribbon Appeal call 9206 2024 or email [email protected].