It’s estimated that more than 63,000 Canadians are living with HIV/AIDS. Human Immunodeficiency Virus weakens the immune system. It destroys cells in the body that help to fight and destroy disease and infection. The virus is most commonly spread through unprotected sex and the re-use of needles.
The Regional HIV/AIDS Connection in Middlesex County offers support to diverse populations of people who have or are affected by HIV/AIDS. RHAC puts on its annual Red Scarf movement to bring the community together and raise awareness for HIV/AIDS.
Fraser Brown is the President for Spectrum Fanshawe, the college’s LGBTQ2s+ advocacy group. Brown also helps with Red Scarf and hosts the pop-up table that can be found in F Hallway at Fanshawe.
Brown explains that community volunteers knit red scarves and donate them to the cause.
Fraser Brown, President of Spectrum Fanshawe and Amber Cowan, Vice-President.
“All the proceeds stay right here in London and go towards the Regional HIV/AIDS Connection treatment programs and awareness campaigns, in addition to research towards HIV and AIDS.”
Brown says if you can knit and want to help with the campaign, you can contact RHAC and they will provide you with the materials needed to make the scarves. Since 2012, 10,000 handmade scarves have been donated to the movement.
Red Scarf works to stand against the stigma’s surrounding people who are affected by or at risk of the disease.
There are still many stigmas tied to HIV/AIDS. Brown says that while there is no cure, there are some medical advancements that can stop the virus from being passed along.
“It’s still looked at as the big STI; that death sentence that it used to be which that’s not the case anymore. This is something that people still live with and they can still live healthy lives.”
On top of the proceeds from the donated scarves, Red Scarf also puts on a benefit concert with a special musical guest. Bülow is known for her songs “Sweet Little Lies” and “Not a Love Song” will be at this year’s event on November 22 at the London Music Hall.
Tickets can be purchased online at redscarf.ca. All proceeds go to RHAC.
If you’re interested in picking up a hand made red scarf, a donation of your choosing can be made. The pop-up table will be back in F Hallway at Fanshawe on Friday, November 22, and again on Friday, November 29.
