The Central Alberta AIDS Network Society (CAANS) is a local charity responsible for HIV prevention and support in the former David Thompson Health Region. CAANS service area extends from Drumheller to Drayton Valley, and from Nordegg to the Saskatchewan border. This covers a continuously growing population of 445,000!

The goal of CAANS is to foster healthy responses to HIV and related issues through education, support and research. The society has created a welcoming environment, which leads to the beginning of trusting relationships with potential service users. The society welcomes patrons to drop in and relax, read a newspaper, use the telephone or chat on the computers. The relaxed setting draws in more patrons in need of services because it is laid back and doesn’t intimidate. Seeking help or advice can be hard, and the society knows this so they work toward creating an environment where patrons feel safe.

The CAANS office is known for being open, non-judgmental and helpful. Word of mouth has been the best advertising for all programs at CAANS. The society assures privacy and confidentiality in all of the programs offered.

There are several different ways to get involved and help out your community through teaming with CAANS: volunteer your time in the office or at events, donate financially or in the form of supplies, attend events and spread the word about the society.

A great way to start volunteering with CAANS, is the upcoming ScotiaBank Aids Walk For Life in Red Deer. This event will take place in Rotary park on Sunday September 23rd, with a later starting time so all those non-early birds can still get their beauty sleep. The registration will begin at 1:00PM, where participants drop off pledge forms and redeem incentives for funds raised. 1:30PM will mark the beginning of opening ceremonies and a yoga stretch. This is a great time to socialize, network with others in the same community and make new friends. The walk will begin at 2:00PM followed by a BBQ and some classic camp games!

CAANS hopes to make this a Sunday to remember, pairing up a great cause, great people, and some great activities. As always, this is a family friendly event so bring the kids, bring your friends – not to mention, bring comfortable shoes!

You can make the most of this great fundraising opportunity by sharing your team information with your workplace, friends and family to receive the most sponsors’ possible. There are always incentives for the teams that rake in the most donations, and of course there’s that great feeling of accomplishment from helping others who are truly in need.

Remember, every single cent raised from this event will go towards CAANS. By helping fundraise you can support people living with HIV and their loved ones. You can be playing a part in making sure education and awareness is spread to prevent further outbreaks of HIV.

Most importantly, you can be helping to both better and potentially save lives.