Media advisory - AIDS Candlelight Vigil to be held tonight

Thousands to gather in annual event, 22 new names added to memorial

TORONTO, June 20, 2013 /CNW/ - As Toronto prepares to celebrate Pride, the Toronto AIDS Memorial will be glowing in candlelight as nearly 2,000 people gather at the Annual Candlelight Vigil to honour, remember and celebrate people who have died of HIV/AIDS, those affected by HIV/AIDS and people who are living with HIV/AIDS.

The theme for the 29th annual AIDS Candlelight Vigil is Caring and Supporting to acknowledge the individuals, families and organizations that provide care and support for people who have died from HIV and AIDS and for People living with and affected by HIV and AIDS.

This year, 22 people will be remembered by adding their names to the AIDS memorial. Those names join the over 2,800 names already listed on the memorial.

What:	People living with HIV/AIDS, friends, family and community join together to honour, remember and celebrate people who have died and people who are still living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.
Where:	Cawthra Square Park, 519 Church Street, Toronto, Ontario
When:	Thursday, June 20, 2013, 8:45 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Who:	Co-Host Dr. Alan Li, a primary care physician at the Regent Park Community Health Centre who works with many marginalized populations and is a longtime community organizer, activist, physician and researcher on many social justice and health issues.
	Co-Host Claudia Medina; the Women's Prison Program Coordinator at PASAN, an organization that provides programs and services for ex-prisoners and prisoners living with HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C, and the founder of Latinos Positivos Toronto, an organization for Latinos living with HIV.

Please note that advance media registration is appreciated and media are requested to sign in prior to 9:00 PM to avoid disruption of the Vigil. Advance and post event interviews can be arranged upon request; high resolution event photos will be available by contacting the individuals below.

About The AIDS Vigil:

The AIDS Candlelight Vigil is an open community event held annually at the AIDS Memorial to remember, honour and celebrate the people who have died of AIDS or AIDS related illnesses, or who have given their lives in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Every year, thousands of candles are lit to honour and remember those who have died, and to encourage and support others who live with this disease every day.

2013 Additions to The AIDS Memorial:

The 22 names added to The AIDS Memorial in 2013 (organized by year of death) are:

2013

Durval Arruda Ventura

2012

Alan Christopher Thompson
David Page
Daniel Brosseau
David (Deej) Spirrill
David Thomas McCombs
Clement Joesph Henri Chabot
Dennis Ricky Winter
Harold Ranger
Jason A. Troy
Joanne Oldroyd
John Charles Plater
Owen Jared Gordon Thame
John Michael Howlett
Scotty Gordon
Shane Barr
William Edward (Bill) Swales

2005

Froilan Francisco Martinez-Menendez

1997

Daniel J. Kelly

1996

Peter Dewling

1989

Jeffrey Lee Lemyre
Greg Hughes

 

SOURCE: The 519 Church Street Community Centre

Todd Ross
Co-Chair, AIDS Vigil Organizing Committee
Direct:   416.505.4740
Email:   [email protected]

Matthew Cutler
Director of Strategic Partnership Initiatives, The 519
Mobile:  [phone]
Email:   [email protected]