CAYR Community Connections invites the community to commemorate World AIDS Day, on Sunday December 1, at Dayspring Chapel of L'Arche Daybreak Community.
“This day marks the culmination of our annual Red for Change campaign, where, during the last two weeks of November, we encourage folks to wear something red or pin the red ribbon, share on social media, and use the hashtag #RedforChange, to show awareness of HIV/AIDS, and support those in our community who are affected by this,” explained CAYR Manager of Communications & Operations, Mark Koning.
Koning explained further that Red for Change and World AIDS Day are meant to derail stigma, to instill hope, and to promote education about HIV/AIDS.
“We want to educate folks that a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS is nothing to be scared of,” elaborated Koning. “There are many medications available to treat this. Sure, there is no cure but there are lots of ways to live a full and productive life.”
CAYR’s World AIDS Day gathering will feature Keynote Speaker, Molly Bannerman, Provincial Director from WHAI (Women and HIV/AIDS Initiative). There will also be a candlelight vigil with acknowledgment of those lost to HIV/AIDs and a moment of silence. Following, there will be a reception with light snacks. The event is free to attend.
Koning shared, “On World AIDS Day, we like to invite the community, our clients and service users, and our staff to come out and reflect, honour those we have lost over the years, and honour what the day means to different folks.”
He paused, then finished, “Sometimes it’s a day of celebration to say we have come so far, and sometimes it’s a day to reflect and share. Every year, it’s a day to reiterate that we are all together and that no one is alone.”
CAYR’s World AIDS Day gathering is happening on Sunday December 1 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Dayspring Chapel of L'Arche Daybreak Community, 11339 Yonge St. Richmond Hill. For more information, email [email protected] or go to the website here.
