Evelyn Farha Dedicates her 90th Birthday to HIV/AIDS

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Aug. 6, 2015) - The Farha Foundation, Quebec's leading HIV/AIDS fundraising organization, and its honorary president Evelyn Farha are calling on Montrealers to join them along with ALDO for the 23^rd edition of ÇA MARCHE, a parade to end HIV/AIDS, on September 27, 2015.

Evelyn Farha has participated in every edition of ÇA MARCHE, an annual walk that began in 1993, one year after her son launched the Farha Foundation. Although Ron was unable to be a part of this momentous and moving event, Evelyn has carried on for him every year. She will continue to do so again at 90 years old, alongside thousands of participants, to honour Ron's desire for a world free from HIV/AIDS.

Over 23 years after Ron's passing there is still no cure. More than 71,000 Canadians are living with the disease and 25 per cent of people don't know they are infected. This is why Evelyn has chosen to dedicate her energy to the Farha Foundation, not only to continue Ron's fight, but also to support the many affected by the disease today. The importance of the work he started is what motivates her to walk each year.

"I have lived with the realities of the HIV/AIDS cause for over 30 years and have experienced the panic and fear of the first years. I have watched my son fight and lose his battle. I have seen the next generation dismiss the dangers and I have watched the community come together to support the hope for a cure," said Evelyn Farha. "Every step I take is a reminder of these things: that AIDS can affect us all. That it has no boundaries and no cure, but that it is preventable and that we must continue to support and educate our community about this disease."

This year, ÇA MARCHE 2015, will take place on Sunday, September 27, 2015 at a new time with the warm-up beginning at 10 a.m. Participants will be encouraged to dance, move and walk through the streets of downtown Montreal, starting with the opening ceremony at 11 a.m. and concluding with celebrations at 1 p.m. taking place at the iconic Quartier Des Spectacles for the first time. Everyone is urged to join Evelyn Farha, the Farha Foundation and ALDO and walk to educate community, remember Ron Farha and stand together in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The Farha Foundation would like to thank the sponsors whose contributions make ÇA MARCHE 2015 possible: ALDO, AbbVie, Gilead Sciences Canada and Zenergy Communications. We are also extremely grateful for our supporting partners, volunteers and dedicated staff.

ÇA MARCHE 2015 Details

About ÇA MARCHE

ÇA MARCHE, one of the first Farha Foundation events to emerge in 1993, is an annual walkathon of 7 kilometers, gathering thousands of people 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. To find out more, visit 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 pandemic.

Since 1992, the Farha Foundation has distributed over $9.5 million to 76 organizations throughout Quebec that provide services to HIV/AIDS victims (housing, medication, food, palliative care, homecare, etc.), as well as HIV/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 find out more about the Farha Foundation, please visit farha.qc.ca.