World AIDS Day kicks off with the WAD 2000 Millennium Walk on Sunday 5th November. This is a sponsored walk, jointly organised by Staffordshire Buddies and Out’n’About, a local walkers group. It starts at 11am from the Festival Park, Etruria and finishes, 4 miles later at the 3 Tuns in Hanley, where a BBQ is taking place courtesy of 3 Tuns. Raffle tickets are also being sold beforehand and drawn at the 3 Tuns on the 5th. Money raised is being divided between the Staffordshire Support Fund, and a Children HIV Project in Namibia.

On the 26th November, Staffordshire Buddies will have a display in the Potteries Shopping Centre, Hanley. This is a means of not only raising money but also raising awareness around HIV issues and the stigma and prejudice that evidently still surrounds those infected or affected by HIV.

WAD – 1st December. A time to celebrate, reflect, remember or just be with people who share a common ground. At 5pm there will be a candlelit vigil through Hanley, stopping at Fountain Square. The traditional tying Red Ribbons to the trees near Fountain Square will take place.

3rd December – A Service of Prayer, Remembrance, Thanksgiving and Support, 3pm @ Holy Trinity Church, Hamil Road, Burslem.

Other information:
A group of volunteers will be answering requests to give talks in school and the usual distribution of collection tins and red ribbons. Further events on the 1st December and also in the South district are still in the organising stages but up to date information can be obtained from Sarah on 01782 201257