The two organisations are now calling for volunteers for the World AIDS Day street appeal on Friday, 25 November (the Friday before World AIDS Day which is on 1 December). “This is the first big opportunity we’ve had to stand together in public to raise awareness and much needed funds” says Shaun Robinson, NZAF Executive Director.
Organisers say the idea of a lonely volunteer shaking a bucket in the rain could not be further from the experience of past collections. “The excitement around here has been building steadily” says Robinson. “This is my first year collecting and I’m really looking forward to it. I’m amazed at how much our staff and regular volunteers are buzzing about this day. The last three years have had perfect weather – dry, but not too hot – and everyone says that the public response is exceptionally positive. People stop to share a story and have a laugh, and we have a very helpful, fun and enthusiastic bunch of collectors too.”
The camaraderie and enjoyment on the day belie a serious need. Earlier this year, figures from the AIDS Epidemiology Group at the University of Otago showed a record number of 95 new HIV diagnoses among New Zealand’s gay and bisexual men. The previous peak for gay and bisexual men was 93 in 2008.
The street collection is the cornerstone of a variety of World AIDS Day events to be held around New Zealand and collections will take place in the streets and malls of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Timaru and Invercargill. Robinson says “If you see us out, please stop, say hi and drop a few coins in the bucket if you can.”
Volunteers will receive advice and support, lunch and refreshments, t-shirts and transport to and from collection areas. Proceeds from the World AIDS Day appeal will be shared 50/50 between the Wellness Fund and the NZAF’s Health Services. The National Collective has managed the Wellness Fund since June 2011.
Volunteers are warmly welcomed to sign up at www.nzaf.org.nz/volunteer or to call Akira Le Fevre in Christchurch on 03 379 1953, Don Barclay in Wellington on 04 381 6640 or Gavin Ring in Auckland on 09 300 6955.
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For further comment please contact:
Dawn O’Connor Communications and Fundraising Manager
New Zealand AIDS Foundation | Te Tūāpapa Mate Āraikore o Aotearoa
p| 09 300 6965
m| 021 741 604
e| .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
