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12th annual AIDS Walk Sept. 18
The 12th annual AIDS Walk For Life, run by ANKORS and sponsored by Scotiabank, will be taking place on Sunday, Sept. 18 in Cranbrook.
The annual fundraiser was given thumbs up by City of Cranbrook council August 15 following a presentation by Darelyn Hutchinson of ANKORS.
“It’s the only fundraiser we do each year at ANKORS,” Hutchinson said, adding that about $1,000 is raised each year, with the money going toward helping people with AIDS or HIV in the region access St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver for treatments or toward expensive medications.
“It’s a cocktail of all different sorts that can cost a lot of money,” Hutchinson said of meds required by AIDS/HIV patients.
According to ANKORS’ website the AIDS Walk also raises awareness about the issues and stigmas surrounding HIV/AIDS, as well as raise funds for those affected by HIV/AIDS.
“All of the proceeds collected in the East Kootenays stay in the East Kootenay, ensuring that any contributions help your community directly through ANKORS,” the site explains.
Cranbrook’s walk will begin next to the Family Connections building. Registration starts at 12:30 p.m., and the walk beings at 1 p.m. In addition there will be entertainment until 4 p.m.
“Come and support your community! Walk with us. Raise awareness. Volunteer or make a donation because you make the day successful,” implores https://www.ankors.bc.ca/aidswalk2.html.
Council enthusiastically supported the event.
“Council thinks the work you do is very important for our community,” said Mayor Scott Manjak.
Coun. Denise Pallesen said she took part in the walk the year before “and I was quite surprised by the number of people affected by it and not just those who have AIDS/HIV. The community needs to rally around you folks more, too,” she said to Hutchinson.
According to https://www.ankors.bc.ca/, “ANKORS programs are based on the belief that services are provided in a non-judgmental manner without prejudice that ensures individual’s right to anonymity and confidential access. We serve those living with and at the greatest risk of acquiring
HIV / AIDS and/or HCV, who have difficulty obtaining services elsewhere, especially due to substance use, mental illness, sexual orientation, gender identity, race and ethnicity, and/or other social barriers.”
Ian Cobb/e-KNOW
