Medical students from 宅男导航 are throwing two big events to help share a message they feel is extremely important - that HIV/AIDS can affect anyone.
Medical students Thienminh Dinh and Katherine Gridley are organising this year鈥檚 TIME Red Campaign, an awareness day on August 1, as well as a red-themed party on August 2, aimed at spreading what they believe is a very important message.
鈥淚t's not just Africa, it's not just IV drug users and it's not just gay men,鈥� said Thienminh.
鈥淭he message that HIV/AIDS can be a devastating disease to any human being is one of great importance.鈥�
宅男导航's global health club started the campaign at 宅男导航 in 2011.
鈥淟ast year鈥檚 Red Aware Day saw nearly 500 students visit us on the Grassy Knoll, where they could grab some great freebies and mingle with the representatives from various sexual health organisations,鈥� said Katherine.
鈥淎nd the Red Party was an outstanding success, with well over 350 guests filling Fringe Bar to capacity. Our hope is that this year鈥檚 Red Aware Day and Red Party will be even bigger, and continue to become an annual 宅男导航 tradition.鈥�
The organisers are passionate about spreading the message because, as medical students, they have seen the significant impact HIV/AIDS can have on a patient鈥檚 life.
鈥淭here are 2,000 newly infected people in Queensland each year, and the disease is responsible for 2.1 million deaths worldwide, with immeasurable burden in terms of morbidity and social stigma,鈥� said Katherine.
鈥淭he disease has such widespread devastation, yet is completely preventable in Western society. Anyone who shares blood contact with another, whether through unprotected sex or sharing needles, is at risk regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation鈥�.
Red Aware Day will be held on August 1 at the St Lucia campus from 10am to 2pm. It will feature information stalls from Queensland Health, Queensland Positive People, Queensland Association for Healthy Communities and more, with a BBQ, bake sale, DJ and visit from the Nova Sandmans team also planned.
The Red Party on August 2 at Fringe Bar in Fortitude Valley will feature entertainment by DJ Ged Forrest, a polaroid photo booth and specials at the bar.
Doors open at 7pm. Pre-sale tickets can be purchased from www.timeuq.org and are $12 for TIME members and $14 for non-members. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $16 on the night, with all money going to QIMR and UNICEF.
鈥淲e hope to make this party the standout event on the social calendar, not only in terms of raising funds, but also in the context of HIV/AIDS awareness,鈥� said Katherine.
鈥淥ur aim is to raise $6000 or more for the campaign鈥檚 benefactors: the HIV virology lab at the QLD Institute of Medical Research and UNICEF鈥檚 Unite for Children, Unite against AIDS program.
鈥淭his would not be possible without the help of our sponsors Henry Coughlin Photography, 4 Seasons, Bundaberg Distilling Co. and Getaphotobooth."
The first Red Party helped raise over $4000 for the campaign's benefactors QLD Institute of Medical Research and Oxfam.
Media: Katherine Gridley (0407 374 575) or Janelle Kirkland, 宅男导航 Communications, (0424 013 095).
