The AIDS Walk for Life was first held in Ottawa in 1989. Since then thousands of people have pinned on red ribbons and taken to the streets to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. Last Saturday, Sept 24, was no different.
Hundreds of people gathered at City Hall, lit candles and walked to show their commitment to finding a cure for HIV/AIDS.
Seven partner organizations receive funds raised at the annual walk: Bruce House, the AIDS Committee of Ottawa, Pink Triangle Services, Planned Parenthood Ottawa, the Snowy Owl AIDS Foundation, the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health and the Youth Services Bureau.
Jay Koornstra is the executive director of Bruce House. In an earlier interview with Xtra, Koornstra said that although funding is important to the agencies, the walk is more than a fundraiser.
“We need to continue to educate people. Whether someone thinks HIV is a fatal disease or not, it is certainly a life-altering disease and will infect your entire life in so many ways, shapes and forms.”
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