Truro AIDS Walk continues to gain support
Nine years ago Karen Kittilsen picked up a brochure at the Truro Police Station that changed her life.
It shared information about HIV/AIDS and the AIDS Walk, and resulted in Kittilsen, who had just moved to Truro, becoming a committed supporter of the walk.
“There was a black and white image of a crow, with a red ribbon, that caught my eye,” she recalled. “When I read the information it moved me and I went to the walk, by myself, that year.”
The next year she was working for the Northern AIDS Connection Society (Now the Northern Healthy Connections Society (NHCS) and helping with the event.
“I’ve always had an interest in social justice and working in the field is fulfilling,” she said. “It’s demanding but rewarding.
It’s making change happen in people’s lives.”
She has now met many people affected by HIV/AIDS and is passionate about helping.
She has praise for Al McNutt, supervisor at the NHCS.
“Al has worked so hard and is such a role model. The programming that’s been done in such a small space is amazing and has touched the lives of so many people.”
While working for another organization during the past few years she organized a team to take part in the walk.
“There’s such energy around the walk,” she added. “Everyone there supports one another and it’s for a good cause. I’ve got my sneakers, my red laces and I’m ready to go.”
To help raise funds, tickets will be sold on a tree decorated with gift certificates (for restaurants, fitness, clothing, jewelry, hair care and more), with a total value of more than $500.
They can be purchased at the office or the day of the walk for $2 each or three for $5. Pledge sheets for the walk are available from the NHCS.