The San Pedro AIDS Commission had a weekend full of activities in commemoration of World AIDS Day 2012. The non-profit group is made up of solely volunteers from all walks of life dedicated to bringing HIV/AIDS education and awareness to our community.
On Friday, November 30, 2012, members of the San Pedro AIDS Commission visited the students of San Pedro High School as part of their educational campaign. Students were provided with the red ribbon and given a brief lecture on the history of the red ribbon, as well as factual and important information on HIV/AIDS.
On World AIDS Day, Saturday, December 1, 2012, members of the SP AIDS Commission, along with business individuals and supporters, partook in the annual solidarity walk around town to create awareness of HIV/AIDS. The walk was lead by the Isla Bonita Elementary School Marching Band and Majorettes.
The final event was held on Sunday, December 2, 2012, at Central Park as the group held its annual World AIDS Day Fair where they had free, rapid and confidential HIV testing. Counselors were on hand to provide counseling prior and after testing. An information booth was set up and there was lots of food and pastry on sale. Beauty queens, including Miss San Pedro Naiely Puc, Miss Chiquitita Kiriani Pou and Mini Miss Jade Belize Gabriela Knox were at the park supporting the AIDS Commission.
The Story Behind the Red Ribbon
The red ribbon is internationally recognized as a symbol of the struggle around HIV/AIDS. The AIDS Awareness Ribbon or RED RIBBON is commonly seen adorning jacket lapels and other articles of clothing as a symbol of solidarity and a commitment to the fight against AIDS.
The Ribbon Project was conceived in 1991 to recognize and honor friends and colleagues who have died or are dying of AIDS. The color red was chosen for its “connection to blood and the idea of passion – not only anger, but love, like a valentine.”
Care and concern: It is being worn by increasing numbers of people around the world to demonstrate their care and concern about HIV and AIDS – for those who are living with HIV, for those who are ill, for those who have died and for those who care for and support those directly affected.
Hope: The red ribbon is intended to be a symbol of hope – that the search for a vaccine and cure to halt the suffering is successful and the quality of life improves for those living with the virus.
Support: The red ribbon offers symbolic support for those living with HIV, for the continuing education of those not infected, for maximum efforts to find effective treatments, cures or vaccines, and for those who have lost friends, family members or loved ones to AIDS.
If you are offered a Red Ribbon, you are asked to take it and wear it as a tribute to the millions of people living with or affected by HIV and AIDS worldwide. Anyone can wear a red ribbon. You don’t have to be HIV positive or living with AIDS to demonstrate that you have an understanding of the issues surrounding HIV and AIDS.
There is no ‘official’ Red Ribbon. You can make your own to wear. Wearing a red ribbon is the first step in the fight against HIV and AIDS. It can be worn on any day of the year, but especially on World AIDS Day.
