Matthew Mitcham, Charlotte Dawson and Peter Everett selling Red Ribbons at Taylor Square on 1 December 2008.

The Red Ribbon Appeal raises money to fight HIV/AIDS and to help people living with the virus.

It takes place every year in the lead up to and on World AIDS Day on December 1 and is ACON's important annual fundraising activity.

The money we raise through the Red Ribbon Appeal is vital to the work of ACON as it helps us provide the services and facilities essential to the health and wellbeing of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS across NSW.

Web: More info, events or to buy, volunteer to sell red ribbons

ACON is inviting people across NSW to participate in a range of events to mark this year’s World AIDS Day (Sat 1 Dec).

ACON CEO Nicolas Parkhill says a variety of fundraising, awareness-raising and memorial events will feature as part of ACON’s World AIDS Day activities. “World AIDS Day provides us with a valuable opportunity to educate people about HIV/AIDS as well as raise money to prevent HIV transmission and help people with HIV. So I encourage everyone to support our efforts this year by making a donation to the Red Ribbon Appeal, buying Red Ribbon merchandise or attending one of our fundraising or remembrance events.”

The following World AIDS Day events are being supported by ACON: 

SYDNEY

RED RIBBON APPEAL

Fri 30 Nov + Sat 1 Dec / selected locations + online 

On the day before and on World AIDS Day, volunteers will be selling red ribbons ($2), wristbands ($5), pins ($5) and diamante charms ($10) at selected locations throughout Sydney. And in the lead-up to World AIDS Day, Red Ribbon merchandise can be purchased from businesses displaying Red Ribbon boxes or donations can be made via the official Red Ribbon Appeal web site: www.redribbonday.org.au

MUM’S IN PERFORMANCES

Every Sun in Nov & Dec / King Cross Hotel / 5pm

Mum’s In: Stories from Razorhurst is one-woman hit show from cabaret darling Vashti Hughes which lifts the veil on the Razor Gang era in Sydney during the 1930’s. A percentage of proceeds from every show during November and December will be donated to the Red Ribbon Appeal. Tix $20 - $30. Book on mumsin.com.au

BUZZ AT THE OXFORD

Thu 29 Nov / Oxford Hotel / 8pm – 12pm

Mr and Ms Sydney Leather Dick Savvy and Mistress Tokyo will sell special edition red leather ribbons for $5 each at Buzz. Dick is donating $5 from every Buzz Cut to the Red Ribbon Appeal. 

THE RED PARTY

Fri 30 Nov / Stonewall / 9pm till late

Red Ribbon benefit night at Stonewall Hotel on Oxford St, Darlinghurst. $5 donation at the door. Shows all night by Sydney’s leading drag performers.

RENT GALA PERFORMANCE

Fri 30 Nov / Sutherland Memorial School of Arts / 8pm

Opening night of Shire Music Theatre’s production of the smash hit Broadway musical RENT. Includes a silent auction. A percentage of proceeds will be donated to the Red Ribbon Appeal. Tix $29 - $34. Book on 0458 642 553.

FURRY FRIDAY

Fri 30 Nov / Oxford Hotel / 7pm – late

A range of red ribbon merchandise will be available during a special World AIDS Day edition of this popular Harbour City Bears event. 

DRAG AT THE MIDNIGHT SHIFT

Sat 1 Dec / Midnight Shift / 10pm till late

Red Ribbon benefit night at The Midnight Shift on Oxford St, Darlinghurst. $10 cover charge with $5 going to ACON. Special World AIDS Day–inspired drag show + great DJs.

FILM SCREENING

Sat 1 Dec / Dendy Newtown / 7pm

Red Ribbon benefit screening of All The Way Through Evening, a Australian made feature-length doco about music composed in New York amidst the early years of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in New York City. Tix $11 - $18. Book on www.dendy.com.au

REZERECTION DANCE PARTY

Sat 1 Dec / Imperial Hotel / 10pm – 6am

Men-only underwear and swimwear dance party featuring DJs Adam Cox, Chip, Johny Blue Boy, Brett Austin. $2.50 from every ticket will be donated to the Red Ribbon Appeal. Tix $30 - $40. Book on www.greentix.com.au

KALIDEOSCOPE SOCIAL DANCE

Sat 1 Dec / Parramatta Gold Club / 8pm – 1:30am

Special red themed edition featuring DJs, drag kings and queens, live singers, dancing girls and much more. Prizes for Best Dressed Male, Female and Drag King/Queen. All proceeds to ACON. Tix $15. Info 0433 232 425 or kalideoscopespocialdance.com 

UNDER THE MIRRORBALL

Sun 2 Dec / Arq / 10pm till late

Red Ribbon benefit night at Arq nightclub on Flinders St, Darlinghurst. $10 donation at the door. Lots of shows with DJ's on both levels.

NORTHERN RIVERS

RED RIBBON APPEAL

Thurs 1 Dec, selected locations + online

Red Ribbon merchandise will be available at ACON’s Northern Rivers office at 27 Uralba St, Lismore and at selected businesses throughout the Northern Rivers in the lead-up to and on World AIDS Day. Then on Thursday 29 and Friday 30 November, volunteers will be selling Red Ribbon merchandise in the Lismore CBD. Donations can also be made online at www.redribbonday.org.au

TANTALISING TRIVIA 2

Fri 30 Nov, Lismore Workers Club, 7pm

Following on from last year’s inaugural event, this year’s pursuit of all things trivial will be an even more fantastic fundraising night of brain challenges, joyous interaction, shows and prizes. Hosted by the fabulous Tobin Saunders.  

TREATMENTS BY THE SEA

Sat 1 Dec, Northern Rivers location, 11am – 4pm

Free workshop for people with HIV. The workshop will include the latest information about HIV, how to reduce the complications of HIV, and hints and tips to stay well and healthy. Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided. Numbers for the workshop are limited. To register call 1800 633 637 (freecall) or (02) 6622 1555. 

TAFE FASHION AND COSTUME SHOW

Sat 1 Dec, City Hall Dance Studio, Lismore, 7pm

Experience the vision and creativity of Lismore TAFE”s fashion students at this special presentation of their work. Hosted by the fabulous Maude Boate. Admission by gold coin donation. All proceeds to the Red Ribbon Appeal.

HUNTER

RED RIBBON APPEAL

Thurs 1 Dec, selected locations + online

Red Ribbon merchandise will be available at ACON’s office at 129 Maitland Rd Islington and at selected businesses in the lead up to and on World AIDS Day. And Red Ribbon merchandise will be sold at followings venues on the following dates: Waratah Village, Wed 28 Nov; Pacific Clinic  + Glendale, Jesmond, Kotara, The Junction and Market Town shopping centres, Thu 29 Nov; Mayfield Woolworths, Fri 30 Nov. Donations can also be made online at www.redribbonday.org.au

PAINT THE TOWN RED

Sat 24 Nov – Sat 1 Dec, Newcastle CBD

The Civic Park Fountain, Newcastle City Hall Clock Tower, and The Obelisk will be lit up red to mark World AIDS Day.

AIDS AWARENESS WEEK DISPLAYS

Sat 24 Nov – Mon 3 Dec, Newcastle Libraries 

Cessnock, Lake Macquarie and Newcastle Libraries will feature displays and resources about HIV and AIDS. 

HIKE FOR HIV

Sun 25 Nov, Eleebana Lions Park, 10am

Everyone is welcome to take part in this 4.4km hike. Participants and ride, walk, jog, or skate and are encouraged to wear red and bring friends, family members and dogs. There will be a BBQ and information stall at the end.

AIDS QUILT EXHIBITION

Mon 26 Nov – Sun 2 Dec, Newcastle Museum, 10am – 5pm

Locally made AIDS memorial quilts will be on display at the Newcastle Museum. A special afternoon tea will be held in conjunction with the exhibition to mark World AIDS Day on Sat 1 Dec. 

AIDS AWARENESS STALLS

Sat 1 Dec, John Hunter Hospital, 9am – 3pm

Get the latest info about preventing and treating HIV/AIDS from staff at the John Hunter Hospital.

CODE RED PARTY

Sat 1 Dec, Unity Nightclub, Sydney Junction Hotel, 9pm

This is a fundraiser for Karumah Positive Living Centre. Karumah provides health promotion services and activities for people with HIV, their families, partners and other carers. 

ILLAWARRA

RED RIBBON APPEAL

Mon 26 Nov – Fri 30 Dec, selected locations + online

Red Ribbon merchandise will be available at ACON’s office at 47 Kenny St, Wollongong and at selected businesses throughout the Illawarra in the lead-up to World AIDS Day. On Friday 30 November volunteers will be selling Red Ribbon merchandise at the Crown St Mall in Wollongong (10am-2pm). Donations can also be made online at www.redribbonday.org.au

MID NORTH COAST

RED RIBBON APPEAL 

Thurs 1 Dec, selected locations + online

In the lead-up to World AIDS Day, Red Ribbon merchandise will be available at ACON’s offices at Shop 3 146 -150 Gordon St Port Macquarie and 9 Boambee St, Coffs Harbour as well as selected businesses in Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour. Donations can also be made online at www.redribbonday.org.au.

UNITED FLAG DANCE

Sat 1 Dec, Cavanbah Centre, Coffs Harbour, 7pm  

Hollywood themed social dance and raffle with part proceeds donated to Red Ribbon Appeal. 

AIDS AWARENESS STALLS

• Sat 17 Nov, Bellingen Markets, Coff Harbour
• Sun 2 Dec, Jetty Foreshores Markets, Coffs Harbour
• Mon 3 Dec, Coffs City Centre

Get the latest information on HIV prevention and support, and purchase Red Ribbon merchandise.

More info

Contact: ACON's Events and Fundraising Team

Tel: (02) 9206 2110
Free Call: 1800 063 060

Email: events@acon.org.au

Web: www.redribbonday.org.au