Annual AIDS Walk Kicks Off September 10 in Toronto

TORONTO, Aug. 18, 2017 /CNW/ - Canada's most important annual HIV awareness and fundraising event, Scotiabank AIDS Walk Toronto, will take place on Sunday, September 10 at Barbara Hall Park. The Toronto Walk supports the vital HIV and sexual health education, outreach and support programs offered at ACT – the AIDS Committee of Toronto, the country's largest and leading HIV service organization.

The Toronto Walk, celebrating its 29^th year, is a grassroots initiative of ACT to raise funds to improve the lives of people living with or affected by HIV and AIDS in Toronto.

With performances from famed Toronto Drag Queens Sofonda Cox and Vicki Lix, DJ Sumation and Forte Gay Men's Chorus, along with an exciting new route through Queen's Park, the Walk promises to be an exciting event for everyone to enjoy.

The #TiedTogether theme of the AIDS Walk National campaign uses the concept of red shoelaces in various configurations to reinforce the powerful idea of unity and togetherness as a way to combat the spread of HIV, and the stigma that often accompanies it.

Despite remarkable progress in the treatment and prevention of HIV since the mid-1990s, new infections occur in Toronto every day and stigma continues to impact people living with the virus, and is a root cause of new transmissions. Over 75,000 people are currently living with HIV in Canada, with over 19,000 living in Toronto.

"Having been to over 20 AIDS Walks here in Toronto, I am always overwhelmed by an incredible feeling of support and unity, being an HIV-positive individual and seeing thousands of people out to support you, that doesn't get old," says John Maxwell, Executive Director of ACT. 

What:	Scotiabank AIDS Walk Toronto
Where:	Barbara Hall Park
	519 Church Street
	Toronto, ON M4Y 2C9
When:	Sunday, September 10, 2017
	10:00 a.m.  – Registration
	11:30 a.m. – Opening Ceremonies
	12:00 p.m. – AIDS Walk Begins
	1:15 p.m. – Post-Walk Entertainment Continues
	2:30 p.m. – Closing Remark

SOURCE ACT - AIDS Committee of Toronto

Carmelle Wolfson, Communications Coordinator, ACT - AIDS Committee of Toronto, 416-340-8484 ext. 225, [email protected]