Race for Dignity
As I've mentioned before on this blog, I couldn't help but notice that our proposed route across Africa for our motorcycle trip this summer will take us through the most AIDS ravaged areas on the planet. 8 countries in sub-saharan Africa accounted for 1/3 of the world’s new HIV infections and 1/3 of the world’s HIV related deaths in 2007. During the 3 months it will take us to cross Africa, over 425,000 people in sub-Saharan Africa will become infected with HIV. Less than a quarter of them will have access to life saving antiretroviral drugs. Thousands of children will join the ranks of Africa’s 12 million AIDS orphans.
One thing that struck me after returning from South America after the last trip was how lucky we are to live in Canada. It does not take a big sacrifice on our part to make a big difference in the lives of people halfway around the world who desperately need our help.
The Youth Chapter of Dignitas International at the University of Toronto is organizing a Race for Dignity event on January 23rd. I have organized a team to ride stationary bikes at the university. Students across Canada will ride bikes in a show of solidarity for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention. The money raised will to do Dignitas International. Dignitas trains health care workers and provides treatment in AIDS ravaged areas of the world. For example, Dignitas has saved countless lives in Malawi by working with local communities and providing life-saving antiretroviral drugs. If you would like to sponsor me in this event, please visit my fundraising page. It literally only takes a few dollars to save a life. Your life-saving efforts are much appreciated.
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