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32 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday December 5, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Red poinsettias carry message of hope about HIV/AIDS By Vivian Leung ABBEY PARK HIGH SCHOOL hat is a flower? It is a sign of love, of life, and of hope; especially for those affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa. In November, the Abbey Park High School Interact Club made it a goal to raise awareness about the effects of HIV/AIDS in Africa through its annual Poinsettia Sale and raised funds to donate to the $Million or More Oakville Fundraiser for the Stephen Lewis Foundation. The Interact Club is a Rotarysponsored club for students aged 14-18 that raises awareness and funds for meaningful service projects in the local and global communities. Each year, Interact coordinates at least two service projects: one that benefits the school W or community and another that furthers international understanding. Abbey Park's Interact Club is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Oakville Centennial. Dedicated and enthusiastic Interact volunteers spread the word of the campaign at their school's parent-teacher interview night, distributing flyers and holding a bake sale in addition to the poinsettia sale. The Interact club raised more than $800 to help the women, grandmothers and children who have been victims of the HIV/AIDS pandemic that has ravaged more than 15 countries in Africa. "More than 25 million people have died from HIV/AIDS and 13 million children have been orphaned and left under the care of grandmothers in their community. Through fundraising and raising awareness about what's happening in many countries in Africa, we can make a difference in the lives of those who are suffering the terrible effects of this disease," said Interact CoPresident Vivian Leung, who had established and co-ordinated the annual fundraiser. "In Canada, I feel very fortunate to have access to such a great education and healthcare system. It's hard to imagine what it feels like for these kids to be orphaned from such a young age," said Leung. "We wanted to provide support and raise awareness to inspire other people to get involved in this initiative." The money raised through the $Million or More Oakville fundraiser will help fund the numerous programs of the Stephen Lewis Foundation which assist HIV/AIDS victims, including care and counselling for women who are ill or victims of sexual violence, helping grandmothers support their orphaned grandchildren or children, and providing education, nourishment, emotional support and supporting associations for people living with HIV/AIDS. Every Dec. 1 is World AIDS Day. Initiated in London in 1998, World AIDS Day is one of the only health days recognized globally. It is an international day of action aimed at raising awareness and stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS. People wear a red ribbon to show support to those living with this disease and to help raise awareness in the community about HIV/AIDS. $Million or More Oakville Fundraiser strives to stimulate the donation of $1 million or more from the Oakville community by the end of 2009. So far, more than $300,000 has been raised to help support the Stephen Lewis Foundation and other agencies in their efforts to alleviate the pain of AIDS in Africa and enable those affected to build hope for the future. For more information on how to help or to donate, visit www.millionormoreslf.ca, or phone 905- 469­6415. 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