Gilbert Centre 2019 Red Scarf Gala for HIV and AIDS Awareness, 2020
Research into and treatment of HIV and AIDS have come a very long way since the disease first came to public light back in the 1980s. Regardless, there are still thousands of Canadians - men, women, gay, and straight - living their lives without knowing they carry and can spread the virus.
Back in the 80's, network reporters were cutting the cables on microphones after interviewing patients, and even their doctors, rather than having to touch the unit to return it to the van. Ignorance was the norm, and very few took the time to study the facts. It was called ‘Gay Cancer’ and other inaccurate and offensive terms, and it was wrongly believed to be a disease that existed only within the gay community.
Now, the Gilbert Centre is working hard to change that mindset and as a result of their efforts public awarness has come a long way. During November through to December 1st, these caring professionals, who every day fight prejudice against those with HIV and AIDS, held several community events to assist in raising awareness and essential funds. Our crew from the OCANetwork, also known as Five Points Media, attended at their flag raising, their Red Scarf Gala, and finally their community brunch.
We learned that medical science has now reached a point with regards to HIV that most patients only need to take one pill per day. By doing so, those afflicted with the virus can attain a suppressed viral load which means they cannot transfer the virus to others.
Undetectable = Untransmittable (U = U) is now a reality.
We would like to thank the following sponsors of the Ontario Community Awareness Network. These businesses show they care about our shared community by helping us to provide a locally-focused truly local voice to you and your neighbours. They also enable our crew to be able to continue providing donated services to promote local benevolent community groups and charities based in The City of Barrie, the Town of Innisfil, and the Township of Oro-Medonte.
Assisting You Social - Social Media Management
Backcountry K9 Kennel - Day Care, Overnight, and Grooming
BarterPay Simcoe County - Business Promotion
Checkered Door - Transition to Adult ASD
Enterprise Mechanical Inc. - Heating and Air Conditioning
Family TLC - Family Counselling and Therapy
Growing Minds Learning Centre - Daycare Centre
Latchman Insurance Brokers Limited
Michael Enterprise Audio & Visual
Simcoe County Clean - Commercial and Residential
Still Moving Osteopathy - People and Pets
Theatre By The Bay - Live Performances
3B Solutions - Video and Media
For more information about how your business can benefit from membership in the Ontario Community Awareness Network, please visit www.cityofbarrie.net
Videography by John Ironside
Post-Production by Tiffany Scott
