NEWS RELEASE
HIV/AIDS RESOURCES AND COMMUNITY HEALTH
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The Red Scarf Project, put on by HIV/AIDS Resources and Community Health (ARCH), is well underway!
The annual project is a campaign that invites everybody to wear red scarves throughout AIDS Awareness Week and the month of December to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS.
Community members are also encouraged to share photos of themselves wearing red scarves on social media using the hashtag #TheRedScarfProject to show support of those who are affected by HIV and AIDS in our community and around the world.
Each year, ARCH and other community groups make red scarves in preparation for this campaign. The scarves are then donated to the community during AIDS Awareness Week, which is taking place this year from Nov. 24 to Dec. 1. Scarves will be distributed on Nov. 24 from 12 to 3 p.m. at Old Quebec Street Mall in Downtown Guelph.
Matthew Gmitrowicz, ARCH’s Support Services Coordinator, comments on how much the show of love and support means to those who are living with HIV and AIDS. “Wearing a red scarf is such an easy way to make these folks feel accepted and valued as part of the community”, he says.
“Unfortunately, there is still a lot of stigma and misunderstanding around HIV and AIDS despite all of the exciting advancements in prevention and treatment”, says Sarah Wilmer, Manager of Services and Programs at ARCH. “Taking part in this project is a great way to start a conversation and show that you care about ending this stigma once and for all.”
Over the years we have distributed over 1200 scarves and we want to keep that number growing! Many community members have been busy making and donating scarves, but the organization still needs your help to reach our goal.
If you are interested in knitting or crocheting a scarf, you can pick up yarn from their office at 77 Westmount Road, Unit 110 in Guelph. ARCH is also accepting yarn and scarf donations at this address.
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