Some the art panels on display in the stands at Masich Place Stadium for Saturday’s AIDS Walk For Life

Prince George, BC – Organizers from Positive Living North were thrilled with the turn-out to the 18th Annual Scotiabank AIDS Walk For Life at Masich Place Stadium on Saturday.  But the fundraiser is about more than just raising money for local programs, it’s about raising community awareness and one project undertaken for the walk will provide a lasting legacy to that end.

PLN Executive Director, Vanessa West, thanked everyone for the huge show of support on Saturday.  "You’re not just here for PLN, you’re here for those living with HIV."

And she made special mention of local artist and educator, Jen Pighin, who organized an art project at the Firepit Cultural Drop-In Centre, which is where PLN’s prevention program is located downtown.

The art panels created by participants were on display in the stands at Masich Place during the walk.

Pighin’s piece is shown in photo at left and is entitled, ‘Blanket of Understanding’.  According to the artist, it interpets life cycles and is meant encourage greater understanding about HIV.

West told the crowd the pieces are an expression of what people are facing downtown.  She said the panels will be permanently displayed on a wall by the Firepit on 3rd Avenue.

"Every year, this (walk) gets bigger and bigger," said West, "And it’s not so much just about the fundraising, it’s about the awareness that we’re raising in the community – that HIV is still with us and we have a lot more work to do."