The city of Edmonton will be hosting its annual Walk For Life on Sunday September 23rd, marking the 21st year of the ScotiaBank AIDS walk! This fundraising and awareness event brings in funds for local programs and services.

The vision of HIV Edmonton is to reach zero.

Zero new transmissions, zero stigma and discrimination, and mostly important - zero AIDS related deaths. All of the money raised will help get us one step closer to this goal. Proceeds from all fundraisers stay in Edmonton, and go a long way to providing service for those living with, affected by and at risk for HIV.

HIV Edmonton is known for providing support, community education, prevention and advocacy for over 25 years. The team is a community based, not-for-profit organization that works to eliminate stigmas and discrimination surrounding this disease. The team takes pride in the delivery of innovative programs and services that promote dignity, health and well-being of those affected by HIV, and works with the community as a whole to strive for no new HIV infections, and longer, healthier lives for those affected. HIV Edmonton ensures everyone affected by HIV gets the service and support they need without barriers or discrimination.

The HIV Network of Edmonton Society is hosting their annual Walk For Life event at Sir Winston Churchill square, in the heart of downtown Edmonton. Registration begins at 11am, with a delicious pancake breakfast that also serves as an opportunity to socialize and network with others. The walk doesn’t begin until 1pm, so there is plenty of time to spread your social butterfly wings.

An extra incentive for teams of walkers to work harder and raise as much money as possible, is this year’s list of prizes. MP Laurie Hawn has challenged the community with a bold statement, "Love me or hate, just come out and beat me?"  If you raise a minimum of $500 your name is entered for a chance to win one of three great travel prizes, and for every additional $500, you receive an additional entry. This may be incentive for you to push your campaign to co-workers, friends, shops you frequent - everyone!

The three travel prizes include: a trip for two on VIA Rail to Jasper, airfare for two wherever WestJet flies, and the grand prize: a trip for two to Beijing to walk as VIPs on the Great Wall of China as part of the first ever AIDS Walk China (this prize also includes one week stay at the exclusive Fairmont Beijing).

The prizes are great incentive to get your butt in gear and fundraise, but the real reward is seeing the ways your effort can help those within your community.  Your fundraising efforts can help build a tighter bond within your community, and help those affected by HIV/AIDS to live well and with dignity.