YUSU’s LGBTQ Network have raised a record-breaking £360 for North Yorkshire AIDS Action, marking this year’s World AIDS Day.
Dozens of students attended the freezing event on Library Bridge, to raise awareness, funds and solidarity for the local charity.
The internationally renowned day, held on Dec. 1, saw students from all over York carry buckets around campus whilst handing out red ribbons, condom packs, rainbow badges, and information leaflets.
Speaking via a YUSU blog, YUSU’s LGBTQ Officers Maddie Boden and Conor Roche commented: “We’re incredibly proud of this achievement and humbled by the generosity of everyone on campus who contributed and took away our information leaflets from the National AIDS Trust.”
“One of the key ways to change the stigma and prejudice surrounding HIV and AIDS is to talk about these issues openly and deal with facts.”
YUSU LGBTQ Officers have also organised a number of free and confidential rapid-HIV tests, led by Leeds based charity MESMAC.
One third year student spoke to Vision: “It’s so great to see so many people aiming to raise awareness for a very important cause. Not only this, the LGBTQ Officers have worked tirelessly this year – and there have been some incredible improvements since taking office for LGBTQ students at York. Keep up the good work!”
You can find out more about North Yorkshire AIDS Action HERE.