Organisers of the 2018 Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal are calling on people throughout the state to join in efforts to end HIV transmission in NSW and support people living with HIV by participating in the annual fundraising event.

Launching today, the Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal takes place in the lead up to and on World AIDS Day (1 December). The appeal is organised by ACON, NSW’s leading HIV prevention, HIV support and LGBTI health organisation.

People can help out in numerous ways including volunteering to sell red ribbons on the street or at their workplace, shaking buckets and collecting donations at venues and theatres, purchasing red ribbon merchandise or making a donation online at redribbonappeal.org.au.

ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill says the need to remain focused on HIV prevention is more important than ever as NSW marches closer towards its goal of reducing HIV transmission by 2020.

“After over 30 years of battling HIV, NSW is currently experiencing the lowest rates of new HIV transmissions since the epidemic began. Thanks to recent advances in prevention, treatment and testing technologies, we now have the tools to continue to significantly reduce new HIV transmissions by 2020. But we need you to help us continue our work,” Mr Parkhill said.

“This year we’re asking people to join us and help make HIV history by getting involved in the Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal, which is our most important fundraising activity of the year. By volunteering to sell ribbons on the street or at your workplace, or by purchasing and wearing a red ribbon, you can help raise money and awareness. Volunteers play a key role in helping to spread the word about how we can end HIV by testing often, treating early and staying safe.

“Every dollar raised helps fund our work in providing community-based initiatives that aim to reduce new HIV transmissions, and deliver programs and services that support people living with HIV.

“Even with tremendous progress being made, we cannot afford to lose focus, we must continue to work together to reduce HIV transmissions. We can all be a part of that by supporting the Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal. Any contribution helps us to help others so please be generous and volunteer to be part of our team for World AIDS Day, and make a difference that will last forever.”

HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Volunteer to sell red ribbons on the street across NSW

You can volunteer by yourself (and meet fabulous people), with friends and co-workers, or with your local community group or organisation at selected locations in Sydney and across regional NSW on Friday 30 November and Saturday 1 December (World AIDS Day). There are plenty of times and locations to suit your availability. During your volunteer shift, you’ll be selling merchandise such as red ribbons and pins, and collecting donations. You don’t need any sales experience. Just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable shoes – we take care of the rest. Click here to register

Sell red ribbons at your workplace

Support the Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal by selling red ribbons at your workplace. We deliver the countertop box and merchandise and you can encourage customers and colleagues to purchase a ribbon in the lead up to and on World AIDS Day. If you work in a large company, you can even ask your employer to match the funds you raise through a community fundraising initiative. Click here to purchase red ribbon merchandise online

Shake buckets at leading venue and theatres

Every year, Sydney's leading theatre companies, bars and clubs open their doors to allow us to shake buckets after performances, or during parties and events. You'll be collecting much-needed donations at some of the best shows and parties in town. It's great fun and fabulous way to meet new people, or get your friends or colleagues together. Volunteer as much or as little as you like, we are grateful for any support you can provide – every little bit counts! Click here to find out more about venue bucket collections

Get your organisation/workplace involved

Many organisations support the Red Ribbon Appeal by holding an event or activation to raise awareness of, and to fundraise for, World AIDS Day. Some organise teams to sell red ribbon merchandise together, others order countertop boxes to sell red ribbon merchandise to their customers and colleagues. Many do a morning tea or a fundraiser. Big or small, it’s up to you on what you do. Get in touch and we’ll provide you with all the support you need. Click here for more information

Donate to the Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal

By getting involved with the Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal, you are helping raise much needed funds to go towards ACON’s community initiatives, programs and services that aim to end HIV in NSW by 2020, and support people living with HIV. All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Click here to donate

Attend a World AIDS Day / Red Ribbon Appeal fundraiser

We’re grateful for the support we receive every year from organisations, businesses, promoters, corporations and community groups. This year, a host of events are being held in support of the Ending HIV Red Ribbon Appeal, including the star-studded charity concert Hats Off in Sydney on 20 November. Make a difference and attend a Red Ribbon Appeal fundraiser. Click here to find out what’s on

For more information about the Red Ribbon Appeal, visit the website here

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact:

David Alexander, ACON Media and Communications

E: [email protected]   T: +61 (02) 9206 2044   M: +61 (0)428 477 042