On Sunday September 23rd, the Aids Awareness Association invites Calgarians to join over 700 walkers for the ScotiaBank’s Aids Walk For Life.

As always, the Walk is about bring people together, raising awareness and funding a great cause. Since 1983, AIDS Calgary Awareness Association (ACAA) addresses the real needs of individuals who are living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. The Walk For Life helps to enable ACAA to provide services to the growing client base.

Volunteers matter, and each hour invested is a direct contribution to your community. Volunteers are critical to the success of ACAA, and on average offer over 14,000 hours of their time to our community each year - that is the equivalent of eight staff positions. It is impossible to ignore the facts: HIV and AIDS do exist, and there is still no cure. But, that is where the role of the volunteer comes into play: a cure is possible, but the community just needs to work together to raise awareness, funding and support for those directly affected.

AIDS Calgary promotes healthy choices that individuals can make to reduce the risk of spreading or contracting the virus. They provide information and resources on practicing safer sex, and avoiding behaviors or situations that could put you at risk.

ACAA works towards reducing the harmful effects of HIV and AIDS by providing programs and services to those living with the disease. These programs offer tips for healthier choices, and ways to enjoy a better quality of life. ACAA acts as their advocate by promoting awareness and battling misunderstandings and prejudices. Through partnering with others in the community, the city of Calgary is developing a stronger caring and compassionate society.

The best way to get a jump-start into volunteering is to walk-the-walk instead of just talking-the-talk. So, join your community and participate in the Aids Walk For Life!

The start location is in the heart of the city, Eau Claire Market. At 10am, the day will kick start with Starbucks coffee and pastries, so morning people cannot complain as they will have coffee ready at their avail! From 10:30-11:30am registration will occur. At this time participants can drop off pledges, get their t-shirts, incentives, and give themselves a bit more time to enjoy the entertainment. This is also a great time to mingle and network with others within the community. 11:30am marks the opening ceremonies.

The walk will being at between 12 and 1pm, and between 1 and 2pm all patrons will enjoy a free lunch and entertainment! With performances from a wide variety of talents, you’ll want to get your friends and family to tag along for the fun! Live music, live entertainers and a team banner creation station will keep you busy for hours.

The Walk is all about supporting a good cause, and having fun while helping others. As a ‘thank you’ for all your hard work, there are many prizes up for grabs. You could leave the walk with the title of Top Adult, Top Youth, Top Child or one of the Top Teams! Prizes are bigger than ever before, so be excited—be very excited! Don a costume and make some noise when you come to walk, you can be sure there will be judges ready to reward you for your enthusiasm.

Mark your calendar, and join in the fun.

Remember all contributions will directly impact services and work within your community. Donations are a great way to support education, advocacy and support services for those living with HIV/AIDS.  The Walk is the perfect feel good event, where you can have fun and know you’re making a difference.