Tomorrow is World AIDS Day, and the theme has gone back to basics – "condoms save lives". The aim is to raise awareness of HIV infection over the summer months, says the AIDS Foundation, when sexual activity is traditionally high. However, a major focus will be on those who are already living with HIV, and there are events planned up and down the country. In Auckland, a team of collectors will target central Auckland, specifically Queen St, K Road, and Ponsonby Rd. Volunteers will continue collecting through the evening at gay bars and venues. In Wellington, street appeals on Friday will be bolstered by two information events on Thursday. At the Wellington Public Library at 12:30, selections from a Living with HIV video will be shown, and an HIV+ person has been invited to speak. There will also be a World AIDS Day table at the Nga Whakatauki Trust Cuba Mall Event, which runs from 9:30 to 2:30 in the afternoon. The week of events culminates in a World AIDS Day Service at St Andrew's On The Terrace Presbyterian Church on Saturday December 3rd. Christchurch has some of the city's top stylists donating their time and skill, offering cut-price do's for $20, to raise money for AIDS causes. The World AIDS Day Hair Event will be held at the Hairdressing School of the Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT) on Sunday December 4 from 11am to 5pm. Celebrity guests, glamorous performances, and spot prizes will help ensure a day full of surprises for those who attend. Elsewhere in the country, Hamilton will be holding an open day at the NZAF offices, showcasing the work the Foundation does in the Midland region. In Nelson, the AIDS Support Network will have an information table outside Farmers on Trafalgar St, the town's main shopping street, and collections will be held also. The Working Together group will hold collections in Dunedin, and small local efforts are planned for Northland.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Wednesday, 30th November 2005 - 12:00pm