Organisers of the 2019 Red Ribbon Appeal are calling on people throughout the state to join in efforts to end HIV transmission in NSW, eliminate stigma and support people living with HIV by participating in the annual fundraising event.

Launching today, the Red Ribbon Appeal takes place in the lead up to and on World AIDS Day (1 December). The appeal is organised by ACON, NSW largest organisation specialising in HIV responses for people of diverse sexualities and genders.

People can help in numerous ways such as taking part in Red Friday.

Held on the last Friday on November (29 November), the day is a time for Australians to host a red-themed event at work or in their communities and raise vital funds and awareness for World AIDS Day.

ACON is also calling on people to help out in other ways such as 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.

ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill says the need to remain focused on HIV prevention and support is as important as ever: “Recently NSW has been experiencing the lowest rates of new HIV transmissions since the epidemic began and it’s vital that we maintain momentum. Thanks to recent advances in prevention, treatment and testing technologies, we now have the tools to continue to significantly reduce new HIV transmissions. But we need you to help us continue our work in preventing transmission, eradicating stigma, and supporting people living with HIV.

“This year we’re asking people to join us and help make HIV history by getting involved in the Red Ribbon Appeal, which is our most important fundraising activity of the year. By hosting a Red Friday event, 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. Every dollar raised helps fund our work in delivering community-based initiatives that prevent new HIV transmissions, tackle HIV stigma and support people living with HIV. Even with tremendous progress being made, we cannot afford to lose focus, we must continue to work together in addressing HIV. We can all be a part of that by supporting the Red Ribbon Appeal. Any contribution helps so please be generous and support our efforts this World AIDS Day.”

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE RED RIBBON APPEAL

• Host a Red Friday event: Get your friends or colleagues together and host a red-themed event on Red Friday (29 November). Morning tea, BBQ, trivia, party – it’s up to you. Register online and you will get a host kit which contains everything you need to host an amazing Red Friday event.

• Volunteer at a stall: Join hundreds of volunteers and support the Red Ribbon Street Appeal. You’ll be selling ribbons in the street, at train stations, community hubs or theatre foyers. In 2019, the street appeal takes place on Friday 29 November, Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December.

• Sell ribbons at your workplace: Why not make your workplace a red ribbon site by selling ribbons at your lobby or foyer in the lead up to World AIDS Day. We’ll provide you with red ribbon merchandise. Or you can purchase merchandise packs and distribute ribbons to your colleagues.

• Make a Donation: Make a donation online to the Red Ribbon Appeal. With your contribution, you are helping to prevent new HIV transmissions, tackle HIV stigma and support people living with HIV.

For more information, go to www.redribbonappeal.org.au