Laurier groups raise awareness for World AIDS Day

Throughout the week, groups on campus such as the Rainbow Centre, the association for black students, future of Africa and boosting alcohol conscientiousness concerning the health of university students (BACCHUS) have been raising awareness for HIV/AIDS awareness week, which occurred on Dec. 1.

On World AIDS Day, all groups participating in HIV/AIDS awareness week collected in the Hall of Fame. Helping out at a few of the booths was Janelle Emanuel, a third-year political science and history major, who hoped that the booths would spread awareness and erase the stigma that surrounds the virus.

“The importance at this point is to spread awareness that the disease is spreading so rapidly,” said Emanuel.

“There are a lot of stereotypes about how it affects gays and blacks, but it actually affects everybody and anybody,” said Mary Ola, speaking about the misperceptions about the virus. The future for Africa booth was giving out literature, condoms, red ribbons and stickers.

Events were held all week and included a documentary screening of The Woman I have Become, a coffee house talent showcase in the Grad Lounge on Nov. 26 and a presentation by two HIV-positive clients of the AIDS committee of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and Area (ACCKWA).

“The rest of the week was pretty successful,” said Emanuel, calling attention to the Nov. 26 coffee house event and the Nov. 30 presentation in particular.

Proceeds collected during the Dec. 1 bake sale went directly to ACCKWA.