The Red Scarf Campaign aims to raise awareness and knowledge about positive advances in HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention.
Members of the Comox Valley Glacier Grannies helped AVI Health and Community Services launch the campaign Thursday in downtown Courtenay.
As a symbol of awareness and support, scarves were hung in public spaces in Courtenay and Campbell River, in time for World AIDS Day on Dec. 1. People are encouraged to pluck a scarf from its location and take it home, or to take a selfie with the scarf and post to AVI social media.
Volunteers hand-knitted 130 scarves for the cause.
“They’re from all over the community,” said Jeannette Reinhardt, health promotion educator at AVI Health and Community Services. “Folks have been just lining up to knit — complete strangers. This year it’s all about community getting involved, and promoting it and having the understanding.”
AVI-Courtenay hosts a testing event Monday, Dec. 2 from 9:30 a.m. — noon at the Comox Valley Nursing Centre, 615 10th St. in Courtenay. The event will offer free HIV and Hep C testing, education and treatment information.