The Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life happens Sept. 17 at Masich Stadium.
The walk is a national awareness and fundraising event that takes place every year in communities all across Canada.
Funds raised in Prince George go directly to support Positive Living North's (PLN) programs and services local people living with HIV/AIDS.
From 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. locals gather to walk laps, with registration beginning at 11:30 a.m.
"I have a goal of raising at least the same amount that we raised last year of $11,000 and getting 300 people there. There was 150 people in attendance last year and for the size of Prince George, we can do better," said Sandy Sasaki, PLN education services manager. "The sponsorship we received from community organizations and businesses was just wonderful."
"If you look historically, it has been a really grassroots movement. It's really about awareness and the funds go to our members services and to people living with HIV in our program." said Vanessa West, PLN executive director.
PLN is asking for contributions - financial, in-kind, or a team raising pledges - that will help them provide support to people living with the infection and prevention education to everyone at risk in their community.
Donations may be made at any time leading up to the event and a tax receipt will be provided. PLN also accepts donations throughout the year to help with support, education and awareness activities.
All donations are welcome, including merchandise, financial or gift cards/certificates.
Currently, the Northern Interior Health Regional has the third highest rate of HIV infection in B.C.
Prince George is fortunate enough to have an HIV specialist, however some people are still being treated in Vancouver.
"There are some dedicated resources in the community that really make a difference in their health outcomes. But we do see that we need an [HIV] centre of excellence in the north because we still send some clients to the Dr. Peter Centre and the Oak Tree Centre in Vancouver," said West.
"Having something here that is more local would really honour the people in the North and reduce the stigma even more. So it's not that hidden disease anymore," said Sasaki.
"Many people in our area still incorrectly assume [HIV] only affects people that are street entrenched, drug addicted or gay."
The disease is transmitted through blood, semen, breast milk or anal secretions.
35 million people have died from HIV/AIDS worldwide in the last 30 years and as many as 68,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS in Canada, and one quarter of them don't even know it.
For more information visit www.positivelivingnorth.ca
