HIV North has a bold vision; all individuals and communities in Alberta’s Peace County will have the ability, capacity and power to eliminate the harm caused to communities by HIV/AIDS. This vision will become a reality through awareness, prevention, education and advocacy. HIV North provides community based programs and services, as well as leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The current goals of HIV North include developing and maintaining a diverse mix of funding from within the community, and finding different ways to spread public presence and overall awareness of the services HIV North provides within Alberta’s Peace County.

HIV North wants to change HIV/AIDS statistics. Worldwide, only one in ten persons infected with HIV has been tested and is aware of his/her status. In 2005 alone, a total of 3.1 million people died of HIV/AIDS related causes. By the end of 2005, there were 40.3 million people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide, including 17.5 million women and 2.3 million children under the age of 15. These statistics are heartbreaking. Despite advances in science, HIV/AIDS continues to spread and destroy lives.

HIV North wants to help provide the change the world needs.

This year, HIV North will be hosting three Walk for Life events within Alberta’s Peace County: Grand Prairie, Fort McMurray and Peace River.

HIV North kicks off the fundraising campaign in Peace River. On Saturday September 15th the beautiful Riverfront Park of Peace River, Alberta will host Scotiabank’s AIDS Walk For Life. Registration will begin at 11am, where you can drop off your pledge forms, meet with your team and network with other teams and participants. At 12pm the walk will begin through the gorgeous Riverfront Park. The walk will be followed by a BBQ lunch, then by awards and entertainment.

The weekend of September 22nd and 23rd is sure to be a busy and fun-filled one, with two of HIV North’s Walk for Life events.

On Saturday September 22nd Grande Prairie will host their 2012 Walk in Muskoseepi Park Pavilion. Registration will begin at 10am, drop off pledge forms, pick up incentives, and get ready for the walk which commences at 11am. Immediately afterward will be a free BBQ lunch for all participants and volunteers.

The weekend will close in Fort McMurray with HIV North’s final 2012 Walk in Borealis Park. Registration begins at 10am sharp, with a two-hour gap until the walk.  This allows volunteers and participants ample time to socialize with one another. The walk begins at noon.

HIV North operates strictly on donations and volunteer work, so if you’re in the neighbourhood, why not spread your dollars and yourselves to try and help them make the world a better place?