On September 17, our community of participants, amazing volunteers, performers, and government representatives gathered together at Eau Claire Plaza to raise funds for HIV programming and to reduce the stigma surrounding the illness. The Scotiabank AIDS Walk & Run created an opportunity to talk about HIV and to remember those who have been lost. We are grateful to the Honourable Stephanie McLean, Minister of Service Alberta and Minister of Status of Women, who shared her personal story about the stigma her family has experienced as a result of her mother’s HIV diagnosis. We also heard a message of encouragement from His Worship Mayor Naheed Nenshi. The event was also attended by Brian Malkinson, MLA for Calgary-Currie and David Khan, the leader of the Alberta Liberal Party.
The over 250 people who gathered together for the Scotiabank AIDS Walk & Run sent a powerful message to reduce the HIV stigma. The Scotiabank AIDS Walk was also an important fundraiser with a donation total of$75,723.05. These critical dollars will support HIV Community Link’s programs in Calgary and Southeastern Alberta.
We are happy to announce the prize winners for this year’s Scotiabank AIDS Walk & Run top fundraisers:
Top three fundraising teams: SACS on the Beach, Calgary Academy of International Travel Studies and Starbucks
Top three fundraising individuals: Jennifer Klinck, Christie Smith and Inaaya Sulemana.
Team spirit award: MAC Cosmetics
Individual spirit award: Ann Francis
Top Team Costume: SACS on the Beach
Top individual costume: Claire O’Gorman
More information is available on the fundraising page scotiabankaidswalk.ca/calgary. that will be open for donations until December 2017. All the prize winners will be contacted individually.
HIV Community Link wants to thank each and every one of our Walkers and Runners for the effort of fundraising and spreading our agency’s message. We want to thank our volunteers and our volunteer committee, who worked hard to provide an amazing experience. Thank you to CBC Calgary for supporting the event as the exclusive media sponsor, and a big thank to our performers, to our donors and supporters, and to everybody who attended the Scotiabank AIDS Walk & Run.
Meet Our Supporters: Mark from The Backlot shares a story about compassion and creating a safe space for everybody. “As a gay bar, you have to realize that you have a responsibility. You can’t be a safe place for the community unless there’s compassion behind the bar too,” he explains. Read his story on our website.
Thank you for being champions for our vision: Empowering choices. Engaging communities. Ending transmission. We hope to see you again next year!
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