MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Sept. 19, 2012) - The Farha Foundation, Quebec's leading HIV/AIDS fundraising organization, invites you to join in on the 20th edition of Quebec's largest walk for the fight against AIDS - ÇA MARCHE. Starting at 9 a.m. on Sunday, September 30 at Parc Émilie-Gamelin, over 5,000 people are expected to take over the streets of Montreal in support of 20,000 men, women and children living with the world's fastest growing disease.
To kick off this milestone edition, Marie-Andrée Fallu of Rouge FM and Andrea Collins of Virgin Radio will both emcee the opening ceremonies. During the 7 kilometre route, participants will be entertained by the singer known for having "the most beautiful voice", Stéphanie Bédard from Star Académie & The Voice.
Since 1992, the Foundation has raised over $8,7 million for some 76 Quebec AIDS organizations to provide a higher quality of life to those living with the disease and their families.
"For 20 years, our donations have been instrumental in providing prevention and education programs, food, housing, medication, counselling and support to those who really need it," states Linda Farha, Spokesperson, Farha Foundation. "ÇA MARCHE is an event meant for all - from an individual who lost a close one to families wishing to show their support for a preventable disease that is still not understood. With every step we take, we are committed to serving our community until we can celebrate a cure!"
The Farha Foundation would like to thank the sponsors of ÇA MARCHE 2012 whose contributions help make the walk possible. They include: major sponsor Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada; platinum sponsor Gilead; gold sponsors CTV, Cytronics, the City of Montreal, and Zenergy Communications; silver sponsors Merck and Naya; as well as bronze sponsors Abbott, Atex, Audio Z, MétroMédia, Rouge FM, Thera Technologies, TVA Publications and Virgin Radio.
There is still time to join ÇA MARCHE 2012 and help reach its goal of $400,000 by AIDS Awareness Day on December 1, 2012. Interested participants can walk individually or in a group by registering at camarche.ca. Although participants are encouraged to walk, they are not required to.
About ÇA MARCHE
ÇA MARCHE (www.camarche.ca), one of the first Farha Foundation's event to emerge in 1993, is an annual walkathon of 7 kilometers, gathering thousands of persons aiming at raising funds and sensitizing the population to the HIV/AIDS cause.
To maximize awareness of the event, the Farha Foundation asks you to spread the word to as many people as possible. In doing so, you will contribute directly to helping those living with HIV/AIDS, a disease that currently infects as many as two people a day in Quebec. Bring your friends and family to inspire our community to support the cause. Sign up now at www.camarche.ca.
About the FARHA FOUNDATION
The Farha Foundation is Quebec's leading fundraising organization committed to helping men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS. The events organized by the Farha Foundation also serve to raise public awareness of the AIDS epidemic.
Since 1992, the Farha Foundation has distributed over $8.7 million to some 76 organizations throughout Quebec that provide care and services (housing, medication, food, palliative care, homecare, etc.), as well as AIDS prevention and education programs. An advisory committee determines which organizations the Foundation supports and ensures that the funds are put to the best possible use. To learn more about the Farha Foundation, please visit www.farha.qc.ca.