OTTAWA, July 18, 2017 /CNW/ - The Canadian AIDS Society is proud to announce the launch of the 2017 Scotiabank AIDS Walk. Sponsored nationally by Scotiabank, the AIDS Walk is a grassroots initiative that will take place in 30 communities across Canada between September 8 and October 1, 2017.

The #TiedTogether theme of the campaign uses the concept of red shoelaces in various configurations to reinforce the powerful idea of unity and togetherness as a way to combat both the spread of HIV and the stigma that often accompanies it. Participants of the Scotiabank AIDS Walk will demonstrate their solidarity with the over 75,500 HIV positive people in Canada and raise funds for local communities that will directly benefit people living with or affected by HIV.

"We are very enthusiastic about this year's campaign," said Gary Lacasse, Executive Director of the Canadian AIDS Society. "It has been designed to encourage communities across the country to get involved and work towards the communal objective of helping people who are living with, or affected by, HIV and preventing the further spread of the virus."

Over the years, AIDS Walk annual events in Canada have raised more than $43 million for the cause. Last year's Scotiabank AIDS Walk raised over $1.1 million and benefited more than 27 community-based organizations across the country.

"At Scotiabank, investing in our communities has been a focus for 185 years," said Jacquie Ryan, Vice President, Sponsorship & Philanthropy, Scotiabank. "Our commitment is to make a measurable and lasting impact on our global communities. We are proud to continue as title sponsor of Scotiabank AIDS Walk in 30 locations across the country."

Although they are generally referred to as "Walks", several communities will host different kinds of events — from street dances, to Zumba parties, to bowl-a-thons. Check out the upcoming events in your area by visiting:  www.scotiabankaidswalk.ca

Each year, the Scotiabank AIDS Walk is made possible with the support of its committed volunteers, countless donors and national corporate sponsors.

National Corporate Sponsor
As the title sponsor of the Scotiabank AIDS Walk, Scotiabank plays a vital role in ensuring the event's continued success. The Canadian AIDS Society wishes to thank Scotiabank for its ongoing commitment to this important cause.

Scotiabank AIDS Walk
The Scotiabank AIDS Walk is a project of the Canadian AIDS Society in partnership with the Positive Living Society of British Columbia, the AIDS Committee of Toronto, and community-based AIDS organizations across Canada. During the national three week-long event, cities and communities from across the country host Walks to raise funds for local services and programming and to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. As  Canada's most important HIV/AIDS awareness and fundraising event, the Scotiabank AIDS Walk has now raised over $43 million for community-based HIV/AIDS service organizations since 1996 and has attracted well over half a million participants. Scotiabank continues its multi-year commitment as title sponsor for the AIDS Walk, playing a key role in expanding its promotional and fundraising capacity.

About the Canadian AIDS Society
The Canadian AIDS Society (CAS) is a national coalition of community-based AIDS organizations across Canada. CAS is dedicated to strengthening the response to HIV/AIDS across all sectors of society, and to enriching the lives of people and communities living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS. For more information, please visit www.cdnaids.ca.

SOURCE Scotiabank