Red Ribbon Walk for AIDS awareness

In celebration of the 28th Annual World AIDS Day, we are proud to hold our World AIDS Day Walk on Saturday, November 26th, 2016.

World AIDS Day was established on December 1st 1988 to commemorate those who have passed on and to raise awareness about AIDS and the global spread of HIV. Each year, World AIDS Day is held to highlight the enormity of the global AIDS pandemic and reminding nations that they have a responsibility to ensure universal treatment, care and support for people living with HIV and AIDS.

Together, St. Stephen’s Community House (SSCH), AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT), Toronto Chinese Health Education Committee (TCHEC) and Butterfly – Asian and Migrant Sex Workers Support Network are co-organizing our HIV/AIDS Walk For Life.

Our event will take place Saturday, November 26, 1pm at 91 Bellevue Ave in the gym. We are planning an afternoon of celebration with an opening prayer from Aaron Bowerman from the Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy, personal narratives of living with HIV, youth performances and discussion of the importance of continued awareness of how HIV/AIDS impacts our community. At our celebration we will distribute HIV/AIDS information, condoms and red ribbons. All are welcome and encouraged to attend our Red Ribbon Walk For Life.

The Red Ribbon Walk For Life will raise awareness of how HIV/AIDS impacts the lives of many individuals in our communities and around the world. The Red Ribbon Walk For Life will bring attention to this critical issue and provide education on how we can protect ourselves and provide support to our loved ones.

This important event provides an opportunity for people to unite to develop greater awareness of HIV/AIDS, to show support for the people living with HIV/AIDS, and to remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses.

Red Ribbon Walk For Life Location – Saturday, November 26th 1pm at 91 Bellevue Ave in the gym

About St. Stephen’s Community House – Since 1962, St. Stephen’s Community House has worked with individuals and communities primarily in downtown west Toronto to identify, prevent and alleviate social and economic problems by creating and providing a range of effective and innovative programs. Since 1987, St. Stephen’s has been addressing HIV/AIDS in English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Portuguese speaking communities in Toronto

About ACT – The AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) develops and delivers innovative programs and services that promote the dignity, health and well-being of individuals and communities living with, affected by and at risk for HIV.

About The Toronto Chinese Health Education Committee — It was formed in the spring of 1985 by a group of community workers, health practitioners and health care providers from various non-profit organizations and Public Health Department in the former City of Toronto. The goal is to enhance the overall knowledge and awareness of health-related issues facing the Chinese community in The Greater Toronto Area through various health promotion initiatives. Today we have 14 agency members who are working closely with the Chinese community in the committee.

About Butterfly – Asian and Migrant Sex Workers Support Network – Butterfly is an Asian and Migrant Sex Workers Support Network formed by sex workers, social workers, legal and health professionals. We provide support to, and advocates for, the rights of Asian and migrant sex workers. The organization is founded on the belief that sex workers are entitled to respect and basic human rights. Further, Butterfly asserts that, regardless of their immigration status, Asian and migrant sex workers should receive the same respect and human rights as other workers.