Why Are We Here? Why Do We Still "Walk For Life"?
Twenty-five years ago, a mysterious new illness was emerging. The medical community knew virtually nothing about this disease except that it was occurring in gay men, and that once a patient displayed symptoms, he was sure to die. Alarmed by this health crisis and frustrated by the lack of response from government, a group of compassionate and capable San Franciscans founded the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. By 1986, scientists had isolated the virus that causes AIDS and named it Human Immune Deficiency Virus. It had also been determined that the virus was transmitted sexually or intravenously from one individual to another—man or woman, gay or straight. Shrouded in ignorance and bigotry, the federal government was still slow to respond. In 1987, the first AIDS Walk San Francisco was an extraordinary and much-needed success that also helped shatter the silence. More than 6,000 compassionate Bay Area residents raised an astounding $667,000.00. At a time when the nation was inattentive to the looming crisis, these courageous walkers brought their message visibly to the streets: We are here to fight AIDS! The money raised at that event, and the annual AIDS Walks that have followed, has enabled the organization to continue its critical work and provide services to more than 100,000 men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS and their families. Over the years, more and more community members have participated in the event. They have raised $55 million to help people with HIV and AIDS, to educate the community about prevention and to lobby government to increase its support of HIV care, prevention, and the search for a cure.Victoria
Although the above history is from San Francisco, the same story could be said about Victoria and so many other cities all over the world. I know that Victoria's history began over 25 years ago by a group of men who were concerned about their friends and community and angry at the lack of action by the government. I understand they began talking around someone's kitchen table and from the grassroots of these wonderful volunteers, AIDS Vancouver Island was born. I know only one of these men who are still in Victoria. If anyone has any stories from the "beginning" VARCS would love to hear them and put them in our next newsletter!Victoria's AIDS Walks
Over the past few years I'm sorry to say that our AIDS Walks have seriously declined in the number of people coming out to support this issue. The last couple of walks, we have attempted to combine them as a Walk and much needed fundraiser.
One year we actually lost money and last year we made about $800.00 which was split evenly between ourselves and Vancouver Island Person's With AIDS Society. We realize that at the time of the National AIDS Walk for Life, we are competing with some other worthy, long time running and high profile fundraisers. So, this year we are coming from a different angle for the Walk and Fundraiser as you will see when you read on. You will also see as you read on just how much we need to continue with HIV/AIDS awareness, support and prevention services.We are confident that this years walk will be a huge success, both financially and with individuals who will be coming out to walk with us to support this important issue. We MUST NOT allow all the work and "trail blazing" the brave souls who ventured out so long ago and put their identities and in some cases, their lives, on the line. We cannot let their work and the lives of those who passed on before the opportunities and medications that they fought for became available, be in vain. We can never sit back and think that everyone knows and understands about HIV/AIDS transmission and all the issues. The fact that on the island we have at least 38 new HIV infections, those are only the individuals who have been tested, shows this work needs to be carried on.