This year's official opening ceremony will be held in Lilongwe, Malawi, one of
several sub-Saharan African countries hard hit by this disease. However, the
first of these 25th
anniversary events will be held here in New Zealand
In 2007, the Candlelight Memorial was commemorated by small and
large groups in more than 1,500 events held in 119 countries, including
New Zealand.
With 33 million people estimated to be infected worldwide, the
Candlelight Memorial serves as an important uniting intervention among
civil society and their governments, breaking down social barriers, and
giving hope to future generations.
Eamonn Smythe, International Candlelight Coordinator for OCEANIA said
"This is an opportunity to pay respect to those who are no longer with us, and
to give thanks for the support and care available for them in New Zealand. We
come together to reflect upon and remember those who have been infected
and affected by HIV and AIDS over the past 25 years. "
Candlelight Memorial services will be held in Auckland, Hamilton,
Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill.
25th Anniversary INTERNATIONAL AIDS
CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL
Never Give Up,
Never Forget
Sunday 18th May 2008
Auckland - 6.30pm at St Matthew in the City
Hamilton - 7pm at the University of Waikato Chapel
Tauranga - 7pm at the Memorial Park Fountain
Wellington - 6.30pm at the Ilott Theatre, Town Hall
Christchurch - 7pm at the Art Centre Great Hall
Dunedin - 7pm at the St Paul's Cathedral, Octagon
Invercargill - 6pm at Bluff Hill
For more information about the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, please go to
www.candlelightmemorial.org
