Today, Dec. 1, is World AIDS Day and it has been marked in Kelowna by a proclamation by Mayor Colin Basran.
Representatives of Living Positive Resource Centre met with Basran Wednesday to receive the proclamation.
“World AIDS Day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate those who have passed away,” said Clare MacDonald, executive director of Living Positive Resource Centre in Kelowna.
World AIDS Day 2016 will also be commemorated with a free public event, Words & AIDS, tonight at the Kelowna Art Galley.
The event, put on by the Living Positive Resource Centre, is an opportunity for the community to read and share words that reflect on the impacts of HIV/AIDS and honour those who have died, as well as celebrate the accomplishments of the community and support those currently living with HIV/AIDS.
It's aim is to help build general awareness for World AIDS Day locally.
The evening will start with a candle-light ceremony and t continue with readings of stories, poems, songs, prose, fiction and "truth-telling."
The event will take place at the Kelowna Art Gallery on Water Street from 7pm to 8:30 p.m.
Donations collected at this event will be used to fund support programs at LPRC for those living with HIV/AIDS.