Although the event is verging on its eleventh consecutive year, the Calgary AIDS Walk for Life promises to increase the festivities that have distinguished it for over a decade.
In Calgary alone, approximately 1,300 individuals live with HIV and AIDS, and research shows a continuous increase in the contraction of sexually transmitted infections. The Calgary AIDS Walk is particularly beneficial to Calgarians in combating the spread of HIV in the city.
“All proceeds stay in Calgary from the AIDS Walk and go to AIDS Calgary to use in the city for health education, support, and prevention,” said Kristi Baron of AIDS Calgary.
Baron emphasized that aside from being a truly enjoyable event among the plethora of others in the city, the five-kilometre Calgary AIDS Walk for Life is the only AIDS-related walk in Calgary.
“We have always tried to focus on families and make it a really fun event,” she said. “Last year we saw 1,200 walkers and this time we’re hoping to surpass that benchmark. There are team prizes, prizes for the top dog, and individual prizes. Compared to other events for different causes within the city, we hope that it’s casual and people really come out and have a good time.”‘