Frequently Asked Questions

Here you'll find the answers to some commonly asked questions about the Red Ribbon Appeal, World AIDS Day and Red Ribbon Week.

What is World AIDS Day?

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World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year. It was founded in 1988 and it is observed with the red ribbon. World AIDS Day give us the opportunity to remember those we have lost to an AIDS-related illness, raise awareness of the need to end HIV stigma and prevent new transmissions, and to show our support and solidarity for people living with HIV.

What is the Red Ribbon Appeal?

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The Red Ribbon Appeal is the annual fundraising drive of ACON, NSW’s leading HIV and sexuality and gender diverse health organisation. The appeal runs throughout the month of the November and culminates on World AIDS Day (December 1). Funds raised from the Red Ribbon Appeal go towards programs and services that prevents new HIV transmissions, tackle HIV stigma and support people living with HIV.

I want to fundraise at work. How do I get started?

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AMAZING! Getting your colleagues involved is a great way to get the team together and support a good cause at the same time.

You can host a morning tea or afternoon tea. Some offices do a trivia event or a bake sale. Why not get everyone to wear red and make a donation?

You can also ask your employer to match the funds you raise.

To get started, register your workplace here.

I want to host my own fundraiser for Red Ribbon. How do I register?

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Amazing! Hosting your own fundraising activity or event is a great way to support the Red Ribbon Appeal.

You can host an in-person gathering or set yourself a personal challenge. 

You can also get your workplace involved and fundraise at work.

Getting started is super easy. Simply register online here.

Can I sell red ribbons at my workplace?

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Yes! You can support the Red Ribbon Appeal by selling red ribbons at your workplace. Many organisations order counter-top boxes while others choose to sell red ribbons in their office lobby in the lead up to, or on, World AIDS Day. Read more about getting involved through work here.

Contact us and we’ll assist you and your workplace in getting involved with the Red Ribbon Appeal. Contact us here.

Why do I need to register?

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Registering your event or activity is crucial as it will allow us to send you the resources you’ll need to help make your fundraiser a success. And there’s also some other important stuff that you’ll need too, like your ‘Authority to Fundraise’ letter.

I want to volunteer for the Red Ribbon Appeal. What can I do?

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Due to the coronavirus pandemic, volunteer opportunities for 2021 are TBA. We are monitoring the situation closely. If you want to be kept up to date about the progress with Red Ribbon volunteer opportunities, register your interest here. We appreciate your support for the Red Ribbon Appeal. Thank you for your understanding. 

How does my fundraising money help?

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Funds raised from the Red Ribbon Appeal helps ACON’s work in preventing new HIV transmissions, tackling HIV stigma and supporting people living with HIV.  

ACON promotes education campaigns, operates HIV and STI testing facilities, runs sexual health workshops, provides a range of support services and distributes hundreds of thousands of free condoms every year throughout NSW.

We also help people with HIV live with confidence, independence and the best possible health. Many rely on the information and services we provide, especially those who are newly diagnosed with the virus as well as those who require in home care. Some of these services, such as our meal services and community development activities for people living with HIV, don’t attract any government funding and rely on donations from the community.

Ready to fundraise for the Red Ribbon Appeal?

Register