The Red Scarf Project
Where it started
The red ribbon has been an international symbol for AIDS awareness since 1991. Inspired by the iconic ribbon, we began welcoming community members to wear scarves in every shade of red for World AIDS Day (December 1st). We began by collecting red scarves created by service users, volunteers, and community groups, along with their personalized messages expressing what their relationship with HIV and what Thrive HIV Prevention & Support (formerly ACCKWA) meant to them.
Where we are now
For the Red Scarf Project, the process is just as important as the end product. Isolation is a consequence of HIV-related stigma, and our goal with this project is to bring our participants together with members of the community to learn, mourn, support and celebrate the real, lived experiences of people living with HIV. During the month of November and December, we host various events aimed at raising awareness & funds to support people living with HIV in our community.
"During the darkest days of the AIDS crisis, we buried our friends in the morning, we protested in the afternoon, and we danced all night"
Dan Savage
Red Scarf Project
2026
Rethink Rebuild Rise
We are excited to embark on the Red Scarf Project for our 9th year! The Red Scarf Project is an awareness-raising and stigma-busting initiative in support of people living with HIV in Waterloo Region & Guelph-Wellington County.
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World AIDS Day Vigil
We will be hosting a World AIDS Day Lunch in place of a formal Vigil.
No registration required, drop-ins are welcome!
KITCHENER
December 1st, 2026
2 - 4 PM
Location: Thrive HIV Prevention & Support (5-1770 king St East, Kitchener ON).
GUELPH
Date: December 1st, 2026
Time: 3 PM - 5 PM
Location: Thrive HIV Prevention & Support (104-77 Westmount Rd, Guelph ON).
There will also be a dedicated memorial and moment of silence at our Red Scarf Gala on November 27th, 2026.
Ways to support the red scarf Project
Can I still donate a Scarf?
We still hope to collect red scarves created by service users, volunteers, and community groups, along with their personalized messages expressing what their relationship with HIV and/or Thrive means to them.
What will you do with the scarves?
These scarves and messages will be available for purchase at our Red Scarf Gala in November, demonstrating to the community the many different ways HIV can impact someone’s life, regardless of their status. All proceeds go towards supporting folks living with HIV.
How else can I support the Red Scarf Project?
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Attend the Gala, Movie Screening, and/or Vigil
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Donate knitting needles or red yarn, or a craft store gift card
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We accept donations from local businesses for our Red Scarf Gala Auction (tax receipt available upon request)
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Share the project with your networks
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Donate directly to Thrive through our Canada Helps page
Have questions or need more information? Contact Gill at gbelcher@thrivehiv.ca
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