With so many events held for different causes, this Saturday’s 20th annual AIDS walk might not get as much attention as some of the others.
But it should, said event manager Jennifer McAndrew. About 3,000 people in Ottawa are living with HIV-AIDS, she said.
“I think it’s something that doesn’t get enough coverage,” said McAndrew.
“It’s not something like cancer and diabetes, that has touched everybody, so it’s harder to relate,” she said. “It’s not in the media everyday.”
All proceeds from the walk will be divided between seven organizations in Ottawa: Bruce House, the AIDS Committee of Ottawa, Pink Triangle Services, Planned Parenthood of Ottawa, Snowy Owl AIDS Foundation, Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health and Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa.
“All the money stays in the community to help the people that live here,” said McAndrew.
Proceeds enable them to continue offering prevention and education programs, as well as treatment, care and support for people living with and affected by HIV-AIDS in the Ottawa region.
There is no registration fee for the walk.
