Wearers are carers on World AIDS Day

Thousands of hours of preparation involving hundreds of volunteers and kilometres of red ribbon will culminate on World AIDS Day on Monday.

Now in its 20th year, World AIDS Day shows no sign of petering out, but is entering its next decade with the type of exuberance that only a 20-year-old can muster.

This year Sydney hosts its first World AIDS Day concert on Sunday November 30 at Star City. For $60, people will be entertained by stage names Rhonda Burchmore, Todd McKenney and Bob Downe in a tribute night to Peter Allen.

ACON will also host a range of smaller community events, including Under the Mirrorball at Arq on Sunday November 30.

Amidst the celebrations of life though, there will also be a number of more solemn events to mark those who have passed. There will be a commemorative event at Medlow Bath Park in the Blue Mountains on November 30 while in Sydney there will be a candlelight vigil on Monday at Paddington Town Hall from 8pm as well as a free barbecue and NSW Police band performance at Taylor Square.

. Starting at 8pm, the memorial will continue for an hour as a roll call of names is read out. To have the name of a loved one recognised on the list, go to www.candlelight.org.au.

The main aim of the week is to raise as much money as possible through the sale of red ribbon merchandise, which 200 volunteers will be selling on Sydney’s streets.

Steve Frendo is one volunteer who will be doing his bit by selling ribbons.

I get a sense of accomplishment from getting involved with the event and from contributing to people who don’t necessarily have the means to be able to help themselves, Frendo told Sydney Star Observer.

As for tips Frendo can provide to get those red ribbons flying out of your hands, it’s all about having the right attitude.

You always tend to get the people who want to walk on past as fast as possible and not notice you, so it’s a challenge to get them to understand that it’s a worthwhile cause that only costs a couple of dollars from their earnings. But I think the best way to get around that is to just always wear a smile and have a positive attitude.

info: For information on events and a full list of places to buy ribbons go to www.redribbonday.org.au. To volunteer to sell red ribbons, visit www.redribbonday.org.au or phone Alberto on 9206 2024.