CA MARCHE 2015 Campaign Dance. Walk. Move. Its way To $400,000

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Sept. 28, 2015) - On Sunday, September 27, 2015, the Farha Foundation, Quebec's leading HIV/AIDS fundraising organization, alongside ALDO, a world leader in fashion footwear and accessories and long-time advocate of the fight against HIV/AIDS held their 23rd annual AIDS walk, ÇA MARCHE. The walk raised more than $250,000 for over 20,000 men, women and children in Quebec affected by HIV/AIDS. Thousands of people danced, walked and moved with the Foundation throughout downtown Montreal before joining together as a community in a surprise celebration at Le Parterre Du Quartier Des Spectacles, hosted by Piknic Electronik!

Lee Haberkorn of Virgin Radio and Mariane Leclerc of Rouge FM emceed the opening ceremony, and walkers were treated to special dance performances organized by La Danse Sur les Routes du Québec which includes: Bust a Move, Club Bolo, l'École de danse contemporaine de Montréal and l'École supérieure de ballet du Québec along the route. Members of the Farha Family, city officials and community organizations shared their messages of hope and solidarity while coming together in the call for a cure and end to stigmatization. Piknic Electronik hosted a surprise celebration at the end of the walk with special performances, food trucks, games and closing ceremonies by the Foundation.

"ÇA MARCHE is an opportunity for the community to come together in support of over 20,000 men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS and we are grateful to the entire community and to ALDO FIGHTS AIDS for making a commitment to this cause," said Linda Farha, Volunteer President and Spokesperson, Farha Foundation. "For 23 years now, our donations have been instrumental in providing essential care services as well as prevention and education programs to those who really need it across Quebec. With every step we take, we are committed to serving our community until we can celebrate a cure!"

"The ALDO Group has actively supported the fight against HIV/AIDS for over 30 years and the success of the 23^rd edition of ÇA MARCHE is a testament to commitment we and the community make to this cause each day," says Douglas Bensadoun, Chief Brand Officer for ALDO. "Thank you to everyone who joined us at the "Parade to End HIV/AIDS" whether in person or spirit. It was an honour to stand alongside you and the Farha Foundation whose work in support of local organizations is vital to the fight against HIV/AIDS here in Quebec."

"ALDO has been committed to the fight against AIDS since the mid '80s, a time when few were willing to take a stand," says Erwin Hinteregger, Chief Marketing Officer for ALDO. "We are proud to join forces once again with the Farha Foundation and to lend our support in mobilizing the Montreal community for this ever important cause."

The Farha Foundation would like to thank the sponsors whose contributions make ÇA MARCHE 2015 possible: AbbVie, ALDO, Ballon Bar, Bust a Move, C3 Events, Club Bolo, École de danse contemporaine de Montréal, École supérieure de ballet du Québec, Ensemble vocal DivertisSon, FCB Montreal, Gilead, Guru, Humago, Ivanhoé Cambridge, La Danse Sur les Routes du Québec, Lassonde, Naya, Piknic Electronik, Rouge FM Street Parade, Swedish Fit, Theratechnologies, Van Houtte, Virgin Radio and Zenergy Communications. We are also extremely grateful to our supporting partners, volunteers and dedicated staff.

There is still time to take part in the ÇA MARCHE 2015 campaign by visiting camarche.ca. Lead the change, continue to raise money and help the Farha Foundation support the Quebec HIV/AIDS community. The campaign ends on AIDS Awareness Day, December 1, 2015.

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 close to $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.