TORONTO, Sept. 5, 2017 /CNW/ - Toronto's largest AIDS service organization, ACT – The AIDS Committee of Toronto, will be hosting the 29th annual Scotiabank AIDS Walk on Sunday, September 10, 2017. Over 400 supporters will gather at Barbara Hall Park in support of ACT programs and services for people living with HIV and communities at high-risk of infection.
This year, participants will take their message through Queen's Park, along a brand new route. Onstage entertainment will precede and follow the Walk at Barbara Hall Park, including performances by drag queens Sofonda Cox, Vicki Lix and Jada Hudson, the fantastic DJ Sumation and Forte Gay Men's Chorus. Toronto drag queen Scarlett Bobo will host this year's show.
The sponsors of the Scotiabank AIDS Walk Toronto in 2017 include: Scotiabank (national sponsor), Samuel, Son & Co Limited, The Co-operators Group, Porter Airlines, 104.5 CHUM FM, Gay Living, INspired Media Inc. and Starbucks Coffee Canada.
The #TiedTogether theme of the National AIDS Walk 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.
"With the support of the community, together we can accomplish our goal of zero new HIV infections, zero HIV-related stigma and discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths," says John Maxwell, executive director at ACT.
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 living with HIV in Canada with an estimated 19,000 living in Toronto.
Last month, Ontario's Office of the Independent Police Review Director found evidence of misconduct by a Toronto police officer videotaped in January making AIDS-phobic remarks about a man while he was being forcefully held on the ground. Police later apologized for the behaviour of their officers and for the officer's comment that "he's going to spit in your face and you're going to get AIDS." Also last month, ACT discovered a Scotiabank AIDS Walk Toronto flyer with homophobic and AIDS-phobic insults scribbled on it.
"The events of this past year show that HIV is still a relevant issue today," says John Maxwell, Executive Director at ACT. "It is our responsibility to continue to educate the public on the science of HIV transmission and all the available options to protect against infection."
About ACT – The AIDS Committee of Toronto
Since 1983 ACT has developed programs and services that respond to the changing needs of the communities it serves. ACT provides support services that empower men, women and youth living with HIV and communities at high risk of transmission to achieve self-determination, informed decision-making, independence, and overall well-being. We do this through programs such as counselling, information provision, social support activities and programs that help people with HIV return to work.
| What: |
Scotiabank AIDS Walk Toronto |
| Where: |
Barbara Hall Park |
| 519 Church Street |
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| Toronto, ON M4Y 2C9 |
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| When: |
Sunday, September 10, 2017 |
| 10:00 a.m. – Registration opens |
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| 11:30 a.m. – Opening ceremonies begin |
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| 12:00 p.m. – AIDS Walk leaves Barbara Hall Park |
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| 1:15 p.m. – Post-Walk entertainment at Barbara Hall Park |
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| 2:30 p.m. – Closing remarks |
Available for comment at AIDS Walk Toronto:
John Maxwell
Executive Director, ACT
SOURCE ACT - AIDS Committee of Toronto
Media inquiries: Carmelle Wolfson, Communications Coordinator, ACT, 416-340-8484 ext. 225, [email protected]
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