Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Men's Health Initiative - LPRC
November 30, 2017 - 11:16 AM
Kelowna – December 1st and Dec 1st-7th 2017 have been officially proclaimed “World AIDS Day” and “Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week” by Mayor Colin Basran. Representatives of Living Positive Resource Centre, REL8 Okanagan and Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society met with the Mayor to receive the proclamation.
“World AIDS Day, which is also the launch of Aboriginal AIDS Awareness week in Canada, is a time for communities around the world to come together and acknowledge the progress that has been made in the fight against stigma, discrimination and criminalization as well as to honor those we have lost along the way.” says Candice Berry, Executive Director of Living Positive Resource Centre.
“Today we stand together as a community to honour over thirty-nine million of our fallen heroes who have died from AIDS. They represent all cultures, ethnicities and creeds - AIDS does not discriminate. Today we also stand together to recommit to our goal of normalizing life for all people living with HIV through Peer support and positive, collective action.” says Andrew Ehman, Chairperson, REL8 Okanagan.
Living Positive Resource Centre and REL8 Okanagan will commemorate World AIDS Day 2017 and Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week 2017 with their free and public event WORDS & AIDS. This event will take place Saturday night December 2nd at the Kelowna Art Gallery, 1315 Water St. from 7pm to 9:00pm Donations collected at this event will be used to fund support those living with HIV/AIDS.
WORDS & AIDS - An opportunity for our community to read and share ‘words’ to reflect on the impacts of HIV/AIDS and honor those who are no longer with us, celebrate the accomplishments of our community and support those who are currently living with HIV/AIDS while building general awareness for World AIDS Day and Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week locally. The evening will start with a ceremony and then continue with readings of stories, poems, songs, prose, fiction and truth telling.
Scheduled readers: This year we have many talented writers, readers & performers from throughout the Okanagan including: Michael V. Smith, Laurice, Sheila Kerr, Mitch Hunter, Nagata Prescott and Candice Berry.
About Living Positive Resource Centre:
Living Positive Resource Centre is a Kelowna based non-profit that specializes in HIV, Hepatitis C & other STBBIs. Through prevention, education & support services we strive to create a vibrant community of persons from diverse backgrounds in which all are empowered to live well & to their full potential.
About REL8 Okanagan:
REL8 Okanagan is a peer based service organization for people of all ages, genders, and sexual orientations who are living with HIV. REL8 now has three Chapters in the Interior of BC providing Peer support on a local level with more on the way. We exist to help people living with HIV become the best possible versions of themselves through Peer support, education, self-care and social activities.
Community Sponsors:
This years’ sponsors include: Kelowna Art Gallery, Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, Staples, Starbucks – Rutland Crossing, Mosaic Books, UBCSUO Pride Resource Centre, Kelowna Now and Wild Kingdom.
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