Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research receives two World Record titles
Posted Nov 16, 2024 12:59:27 PM.
Last Updated Nov 18, 2024 01:17:21 PM.
A previous version of this article incorrectly stated there were 1.3 million cases of HIV in Canada.
The Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR) and Gilead Sciences Canada were awarded two Guinness World record titles on Nov. 13 for the Most Awareness Ribbons Made in One Hour by a Team and the World’s Largest Ribbon Mosaic Made Entirely of Awareness Ribbons.
The agencies set out to beat the World Records as part of their collective World AIDS Day campaign, bringing awareness to the rising number of AIDS cases in Canada.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, the World Health Organization’s website reads, Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) occurs at the most advanced stage of infection.
HIV is still a global pandemic with 1.3 million new cases reported worldwide in 2023. Canada is seeing an “alarming” 25 per cent increase in new diagnoses reported in 2022, Alex Filiatrault, CEO of CANFAR, said in a press release.
“This week was an unforgettable moment filled with camaraderie, dedication and a shared commitment to raising awareness,” Filiatrault said. “These milestone achievements are a beautiful representation of the collective strength and resilience of our community and remind everyone that HIV is still here.”
The World AIDS Day campaign is symbolized by a red ribbon and aims to break down the stigma around the immunocompromising disease.
The first Guinness World Record attempt was held at Toronto’s 519 Community Centre where over 160 volunteer participants successfully made a total of 11,255 awareness ribbons in a 60-minute period, flying past the previous record. CANFAR’s goal was to make 7,540 ribbons – representing every person diagnosed with HIV in Canada but not yet in treatment.
The second attempt, in partnership with Ottawa’s Centretown BIA, saw the creation of a stunning public installation in Ottawa, measuring nearly 30 square metres, made exclusively of over 19,500 awareness ribbons.
