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September 12, 2011 -Calgary, Alberta - AIDS Calgary Awareness Association (ACAA) presents the 2011 Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life on September 25, 2011 at Eau Claire Plaza. The goal of the Walk is to raise awareness around HIV/AIDS and funds for ACAA's support, prevention and education programs for those affected by, at risk for, or living with HIV/AIDS in the areas which ACAA serves. On September 25th, an estimated 700 Calgarians - walkers, volunteers, entertainers, sponsors and staff - will unite in an effort to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS and to raise funds in support of ACAA programs.
As this year marks the 30th anniversary of the first AIDS diagnosis in North America, the 2011 Scotiabank AIDS Walk for
Life will include a memorial wall to remember those individuals who have passed from HIV related illnesses. ACAA welcomes any Walkers
and supporters to celebrate their loved ones by contributing photos, letters or simply writing the names of those they'd like to
remember. ACAA Executive Director, Simonne LeBlanc believes, "We are looking to bring this Walk back to our roots; to remember
the united community raising awareness and funds in the face of this devastating disease."
ACAA is pleased to welcome entertainment personality Michelle Thrush as the host of this year's Walk. Thrush,is best
known for her role the popular television series Blackstone, for which she recently won the 2011 Gemini Award for best actress in a
drama for her role as Gail Stoney. Thrush has also appeared in other acclaimed series such as Moccasin Flats and North of 60,
and has worked in films opposite actors such as Jack Palance, and Johnny Depp. Walk entertainment will include a guest
appearance by Brad Fraser, Producer/Writer of Queer as Folk.
The 2011 Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life promises to be our best yet, with several new event day additions, including
a Market Square, featuring an assortment of local vendors and artists featuring their eclectic works for sale. A pancake breakfast
will open the event, and there will be great live music and fun for all ages throughout the day, including a banner making station,
bigger prizes for top fundraisers, including a return trip for two to any scheduled WestJet destination, two night's accommodation
in a Lakeview room at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, overnight accommodation including breakfast at the Fairmont Banff Springs.
WHERE:
Eau Claire Market, North Plaza
200 Barclay Parade SW.
Calgary,
WHEN:
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Pancake Breakfast & Market Opens: 10:00 a.m.
Opening Ceremonies: 11:30 am – 12:00 pm
Walk: 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Snacks/Entertainment: 1:00 – 2:00 pm
The annual Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life is Canada's most important HIV/AIDS fundraising and awareness event. During this national
event, cities and communities from across the country host Walks to raise funds for local services and programming and to increase
awareness about HIV/AIDS. The Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life has now raised millions of dollars for community-based HIV/AIDS
service organizations since 1996 and has attracted over half a million participants.
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AIDS Calgary is a local not-for-profit AIDS service organization that offers support services to individuals who
are at-risk for, infected or affected by HIV/AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Hepatitis C and provides prevention and
education throughout the Calgary, Bow Valley and Medicine Hat region. For more information, please contact AIDS Calgary at
(403) 508-2500 or online at www.aidscalgary.org.
For more information, please contact:
Jennifer Thompson-Goldberg
Communication Coordinator
AIDS Calgary Awareness Association
(403) 508-2500 ext. 120
F: 403-263-7358
www.aidscalgary.org.
Reproduced with permission -
"AIDS Calgary Awareness Association"
AIDS Calgary
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