Tue 23 Nov 2010 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Bucket shakers will be out in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch this Friday collecting for the World AIDS Day street appeal. On December 1, World AIDS Day will be marked globally to raise awareness of the continued presence of HIV and the impact of AIDS on individuals, families, communities and New Zealand. Since the HIV epidemic reached New Zealand in the mid-1980s, more than 3,000 people have been diagnosed with HIV. A recent report from the Ministry of Health estimated that there are up to 2,000 people living with HIV in New Zealand at present. New Zealand AIDS Foundation Executive Director Rachael Le Mesurier says despite an average of three new diagnoses each week in New Zealand, there is a sense of complacency that things are ok now. “The number of people dying in New Zealand has dropped dramatically which means there are now more people living with HIV than ever before.” The NZAF says it will bring HIV back into the spotlight by collecting for the World AIDS Day street appeal in the main centres on Friday. Donations will be acknowledged with a red ribbon or a button with a uniquely New Zealand red ribbon on it. Last year collectors hauled in more than $38,000. Donations can also be made online at www.nzaf.org.nz/donate and information about volunteering for World AIDS Day is also available at http://www.nzaf.org.nz. To sign up as a volunteer for the street collections, go here http://www.nzaf.org.nz/events/view/world-aids-day-2010
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 23rd November 2010 - 5:47pm