MP Laurie Hawn is top fundraiser at Edmonton's 18th Annual AIDS Walk

Edmonton, AB - Laurie Hawn, MP for Edmonton Centre, was the top individual fundraiser for the 18th Annual Edmonton AIDS walk for the fourth year in a row.  Mr. Hawn individually raised over $4600 for HIV/AIDS research.

"We must continue to fund HIV/AIDS research to find a cure for the millions of people around the world who are affected by this disease," said MP Hawn.

This year, the prize for being the top fundraiser is a trip for two to New York City, where the winner will participate in AIDS Walk New York and attend all corresponding VIP events.  Mr. Hawn has decided to donate the top prize, as he has for the past three years, to another deserving volunteer for HIV Edmonton.  This year, Annabelle Wright will be presented with the top prize. She has participated in 16 of the 18 Walks for Life held in Edmonton.

The Government of Canada is making important strides in the area of HIV/AIDS research.   In 2009-2010, the Government will invest more than $94 million towards HIV/AIDS research and initiatives. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Harper, our government has also partnered with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, making an investment of $139 million over five years.

"Our Government has made the largest investment in HIV/AIDS research in our nation’s history. These investments will support the federal initiative to address AIDS and the Canadian HIV Vaccine Initiative," said MP Hawn. 

“HIV Edmonton is so grateful to Laurie Hawn for his continued support of the AIDS Walk for Life,” said Debra Jakubec, HIV Edmonton Executive Director.  “Every year, he raises the bar and we appreciate his participation in our largest and most important annual fundraiser.   We look forward to working with him in years to come.”

Mr. Hawn is proud to be part of a government that is supporting efforts to cure HIV/AIDS.