Anniversary of Candlelight Memorial

Thursday 08 May 2008 25th

Anniversary of Candlelight Memorial

Poster

The Global Health Council have announced the mobilisation of community leaders preparing for the 25th anniversary of the AIDS Candlelight Memorial on Sunday 18th May. The international Candlelight Memorial is one of the oldest and largest worldwide events focused on HIV/AIDS awareness and advocacy.

The theme for this year is Never Give Up, Never Forget. This year’s official opening ceremony will be held in Lilongwe, Malawi, one of several sub-Saharan African countries hard hit by this disease. However, the first of these 25th anniversary events will be held here in New Zealand

In 2007, the Candlelight Memorial was commemorated by small and large groups in more than 1,500 events held in 119 countries, including New Zealand. 2 With 33 million people estimated to be infected worldwide, the Candlelight Memorial serves as an important uniting intervention among civil society and their governments, breaking down social barriers, and giving hope to future generations. Eamonn Smythe, International Candlelight Coordinator for OCEANIA said “This is an opportunity to pay respect to those who are no longer with us, and to give thanks for the support and care available for them in New Zealand. We come together to reflect upon and remember those who have been infected and affected by HIV and AIDS over the past 25 years. “ Candlelight Memorial services will be held in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill.

ENDS

3 25TH Anniversary INTERNATIONAL AIDS CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL Never Give Up, Never Forget Sunday 18th May 2008 Auckland – 6.30pm at St Matthew in the City Hamilton – 7pm at the University of Waikato Chapel Tauranga – 7pm at the Memorial Park Fountain Wellington – 6.30pm at the Ilott Theatre, Town Hall Christchurch – 7pm at the Art Centre Great Hall Dunedin - 7pm at the St Paul’s Cathedral, Octagon Invercargill – 6pm at Bluff Hill For more information about the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, please go to www.candlelightmemorial.org or contact the International Coordinator, Eamonn Smythe at eamonn.smythe@nzaf.org.nz

ENDS

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