a December 13, 2024 Stratford Times World AIDS Day recognized in Stratford CONNOR LUCZKA Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Since 1991, the red ribbon has been an international symbol for AIDS aware- ness. Since 2012, local Stratford knitters have done their part to spread that very same symbol across the Festival City each year. In honour of World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, 80 handknitted scarves were scattered around downtown Stratford to raise awareness for the Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC), a London based charity dedicated to positively impact- ing the lives of individuals and diverse communities living with, at risk for and affected by HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C. Laurie Krempien-Hall of the Strat- ford Wednesday Night Knitters was one “of the women involved in knitting the scarves this year and in years past. “T always try to give back to the com- munity,” Krempien-Hall said. “I have lost friends to AIDS as well and it can affect anyone. ... I just think it's import- ant to get it out there to other people, to make them aware as well that this is something that's still going on and it hasn't gone away just, because people haven't talked about it.” Krempien-Hall said the Stratford Wednesday Night Knitters, a group of about 20 members, first got involved knitting scarves for the project when it started in London in 2012. They wanted to get involved to bring the campaign to Stratford. Though the knitting group knits year round, for bigger projects like the Red Scarf Project and the poppy project in November, they open it up to the public and allow anyone to donate their work. There is one St. Marys knitter named Jean who knits scarves for the project year-round. This year, she made 35 scarves, nearly half of the scarves the group put out on the first. The red scarves are tagged with in- formation about HIV/AIDS. If spot- ted around town on parking meters or benches, organizers encourage pass- ers-by to wear them or donate them to spread the symbol and to support people living with HIV. Since the development of antiretrovi- ral therapy (ART), the lives of those liv- ing with HIV have transformed accord- ing to a media release put out by Huron Perth Public Health to commemorate the day. ART works by lowering the amount of HIV in the blood to undetect- able levels, allowing individuals to live healthy lives and preventing the trans- mission of HIV to others. However, as Krempien-Hall said, HIV is not a thing of the past. HIV/AIDS can affect anyone, regard- less of age, gender, or sexual orienta- tion. Since 2012, volunteers across RHAC’s service area have made and donated 12,000 scarves. Krempien-Hall said each year she feels warmed by the com- munity response. “It's just really rewarding to just feel the response from the oun that they have appreciated it,” she said. (CONNOR LUCZKA PHOTO) AWARENESS To recognize World AIDS Day in Stratford, local knitters made and donated 80 red scarves, distribut ue tipo across down- town Stratford to wareness that eae and Renate, C are not things of the $14,500 wn 2018 Honda Civic 5 ibe ina | 4 2023 Mitsubishi RVR $26,999 $210 B/w 16 $15,999 $160 B/W +HsTbbe $20,495 = $204 B/w 2021 Chrysler Grand Caravan 2016 Nissan. Murano SL $16,495 2020 Toyota Cor lal a. +HST & lic $28,495 $221 B/W $28,999 = $251 B/W $29,000= icle, Spin the aera Rewards! \ NISSAN HOURS SALES: Mon. $23,495 » $204 BIW 2020 Toyota Prius Prime PHEV eave see your dealer for current p » $251 B/W $17,999 ‘olla LE 4 | == +HST & lic 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage SE * $141 B/W $24, 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander $225 B/W HST ie 2017 Nissan Rogue PLATINUM $17,999 = $215 B/W 495 « $212 B/W + HST &lic 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan $29,495 $229 B/W 2001 Ontario Str eet, Stratf rd ON. ==. Stratford 'N 1 Ss Ss AN ee 00-8: 00; Fri; Sat. 9:00-6:00 PARTS & SERVICE: Mon. Sat. 8: 00-5. -5:00 - eee 519275, 3119. - www. ofr abtiedinicsan’e com *Our Service Departnrent is “Now oer on Saturdays"