Supplied by the HIV/Aids Resource Program… Sault Ste. Marie, ON – The HIV/AIDS Resource Program (HARP) at the Group Health Centre needs your help to collect hundreds of red scarves for their second annual Red Scarf Campaign.

The Red Scarf Campaign will see red scarves tied around lamp posts, street signs and fence posts – free for the taking – during HIV Awareness week (November 23-27). Scarves will mainly be distributed in high-traffic locations, and each red scarf will have an HIV information tag pinned to it. The goal of the project is to educate and raise awareness around HIV/AIDS, and encourage community members to get tested.

Jennifer Jolie, HARP’s Healthy Sexuality & Prevention Coordinator, said last year was overwhelmingly successful. “We were all amazed at how quickly the red scarves tied outside were gone.  In less than an hour Queen St. was cleared.”

You can help by knitting, crocheting, purchasing or finding a red scarf, and donating it to the program. Scarves can be dropped off at Algoma Public Health (front desk), Shabby Motley, Phoenix Rising, the Group Health Centre (240 McNabb – Front Desk), and at HARP (240 McNabb East Wing – Basement). You are also welcome to call HARP at (705) 759?5690 for pickup.

Please drop off all scarves by Nov. 18th, 2015. All unclaimed scarves will be donated to people in need around the city at the end of this campaign.

HARP provides education and support for local individuals infected, affected or at risk of HIV/AIDS and related issues. Through presentations, workshops, information sessions and conference, our team delivers information on HIV/AIDS, safer sex, and other issues. Outreach services are provided with the help of community partners by developing strategies on harm reduction for safer sex and intravenous drug users. HARP also provides LGBTQ support services.