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View Our 2024 Supporter Pack

Book Your World AIDS Day Activity

What is World AIDS Day?

World AIDS Day is an international day of awareness, giving the public and organisations the opportunity to show their support for people affected by HIV/AIDS. This includes:

  • Education on the latest advances in treatment, prevention and care.
  • Reducing and eliminating stigma that still exists for people living with HIV.
  • Remembering those who have died from AIDS related illnesses.

When is World AIDS Day?

World AIDS Day is held every year on December 1st. The first World AIDS Day took place in 1988. Thorne Harbour Health is now the foremost organisation in both Victoria and South Australia for campaigning on World AIDS Day, taking to the streets each year to raise funds and awareness.

What is the World AIDS Day Theme?

The theme for World AIDS Day is set by the World AIDS Day Campaign's Global Steering Committee, with individual countries also choosing their own theme. The theme for 2024 will be announced shortly.

Thorne Harbour Health's individual theme for the day is HIV Still Matters, which forms the basis of a yearly campaign both online and on street corners around Melbourne.

What is the Victorian Red Ribbon?

The red ribbon has become the global symbol of HIV/AIDS awareness. First worn in 1991 by the Visual AIDS Group in New York, the following year the uniquely 'Victorian Red Ribbon' was created by Brent Lacey. While it was cheaper to produce, the unique shape offered another more significant point of difference - the inverted 'V' design is to allow the ribbons to be turned upside down a create a 'V' for 'Victory' the day a cure for HIV is discovered.

In 2022, we introduced the Red Ribbon Making Workshops to continue that community legacy, and provide ways for organisations and businesses to get on board.

How Can I Get Involved?

We welcome the involvement of individuals, groups and organisations, with a variety of ways for each to take part in the day.

  • Thorne Harbour runs several events both in the lead up to and on World AIDS Day. Check out our Calendar of Events to find out what's on.
  • We offer a range of volunteering opportunities both on 1st December and throughout the year.
  • There are also several ways for organisations to show their support, such as attending educational webinars, hosting fundraisers, and sponsoring events. Find out more below.

HIV/AIDS Webinars
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Engage your employees, clients and community on World AIDS Day with a webinar.

Build on your employees' diversity, equity and inclusion training by booking a 1-hour session, tailored specifically for workplaces. Ensure your organisation understands what it means to live with HIV by hearing from expert speakers on the latest developments in HIV prevention, treatment and community support.

We'll set up the event, create the staff invitation and deliver the presentation to your workplace using Zoom (we are happy to use your own virtual infrastructure should this be required).

During the presentation, we cover:

  • HIV 101: Including what the HIV acronym means, the difference between HIV and AIDS, and how the virus is transmitted.
  • History of HIV/AIDS: Global and Victorian perspectives on the virus, including the history of our organisation and how HIV affects LGBTIQ+ people.
  • The Current Landscape: the latest data and transmission rates in Australia, including what it means to live with HIV today.
  • Personal story: hear from someone living with HIV and how the virus affects their life.
  • Questions and Myth Busting: a safe space for your staff to ask any questions about HIV/AIDS.

We offer adjustable pricing depending on your type of organisation, with all funds supporting our work towards eliminating HIV.

To find out more and book a webinar please contact: WorldAIDSDay@thorneharbour.org

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Host a Fundraising Booth
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Host one of our fundraising stalls at your workplace. We’ll provide all the materials, including red ribbons, pamphlets, and payment systems. One of our expert staff will be on hand to answer your employees’ questions and take donations.

To find out more and request a fundraising booth please contact: WorldAIDSDay@thorneharbour.org

Richard Grade

Volunteer on World AIDS Day
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For Individuals:

We welcome volunteers throughout the year, including on World AIDS Day. There are several events that you can assist with, including our Street Appeal.

Have you ever been near a train station, shopping centre or street corner on World AIDS Day? If so, you've probably noticed our army of dedicated volunteers handing out red ribbons and shaking buckets to raise vital funds. All the funds we raise for World AIDS Day go directly back to supporting our work at Thorne Harbour.

To find out more, head to our Street Appeal event page.

Grade Ribbons

For Organisations:

We welcome corporate volunteers throughout the year, and on World AIDS Day we invite organisations to bring their staff to our offices to help put together safe sex packages and red ribbons, to be handed out on the day. While you're here, we'll explain the basics of HIV/AIDS, as well as our organisation's history and best practice language for LGBTIQ+ people.

To find out more head to our corporate volunteering page.

Attend an Event
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World AIDS Day Memorial

World AIDS Day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, but it's also an important occasion to commemorate people who have died from AIDS related illnesses. Our annual World AIDS Day Memorial at the Positive Living Centre is an emotional, yet joyous event with performances and the display of heritage listed AIDS Memorial Quilts.

The event is a collaborative effort undertaken by Thorne Harbour Health, Living Positive Victoria, the AIDS Memorial Quilt Project, and Positive Women Victoria.

Other Events

Head to our Calendar of Events for a full list of our World AIDS Day events, including the street appeal, memorial, and other fundraisers.

Grade Street

Buy World AIDS Day Merch
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Our World AIDS Day shop has a range of merch available for anyone to purchase. Buy your red ribbons and other gear in advance to proudly display your support on the day.

World AIDS Day Shop.

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