News

Seven reasons to volunteer at AIDS Run & Walk Chicago

September 20, 2016

Events like AIDS Run & Walk Chicago don't come together by themselves; they happen because talented volunteers come together and make it happen! Do you have what it takes to be a volunteer for this year's event on Saturday, Oct. 1 at Soldier Field? Click here to learn more.

Still on the fence? Read seven reasons other volunteers come back year after year to support the HIV community and #bandtogether.

 

1. I started volunteering for AFC because I want to give back and provide a voice for those living with HIV and other chronic diseases. AFC is all about advocacy, awareness, mobilization and promoting responsibility within our community. I love the work of AFC!

Jasmine

2. I started volunteering with AFC because I had such a blast as a participant in the AIDS Walk every year, and I also wanted to find another way to give back to the many organizations that have helped me so much since my HIV+ diagnosis in 2009.

Chris

3. I started volunteering because helping others and giving back is what I do! Plus, I'm working to break down barriers of fear and misunderstanding around HIV and AIDS.

Mara

4. I started volunteering for AFC over 10 years ago, not just to provide music for both runners and walkers but to be a face for those whom I've lost and bring awareness. I continue to do it because it's needed and necessary in our communities — especially to the youth coming out. 

Harry

5. I volunteer with AFC because this is an organization that strives to create systemic change to empower and improve the lives of those affected by HIV/AIDS. I continue to volunteer with them because they continuously evolve and adapt their programming to fit the needs of their communities.

Ashley

6. I have seen firsthand the impact this disease has had on people's lives. I am HIV-positive and have lost a partner to AIDS, and I have many friends who have lost loved ones and/or are living with the virus themselves. I volunteer to help remove stigma, to keep people aware that HIV still threatens people's lives, and to build toward a world where no one again contracts or gets sick from or dies from HIV.

Vinny (left)

7. I started volunteering with AFC as a way to honor my father who lost his battle with AIDS over 20 years ago. I continue to volunteer because I enjoy working with the people in the organization as we band together to spread awareness about this epidemic and provide solutions. 

Lauryn

 

Categorized under Chicago, Inside Story and Special events.

Recommended Articles