Today (1 December) marks World AIDS Day, and Go North East (GNE) staff are ‘rocking the ribbon’ to raise funds and awareness to help charities supporting those living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
In a photoshoot which involved the company’s rainbow-liveried ‘pride in transport’ bus, Go North East’s newly formed One Team GNE LGBTQ+ working group worked to fundraise for the National AIDS Trust, running activities to raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding HIV.
In addition, all team members at GNE have been invited to wear a red ribbon in exchange for a donation, while posters displaying HIV facts have been displayed at depots and two colleagues have anonymously shared their stories of being diagnosed with HIV.
Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director at Go North East, says: “Today we’re raising funds for the National AIDS Trust to help support those living with HIV and AIDS.
“Equally important, we’re also raising awareness among colleagues of a disease that affects so many people, colleagues included, in order to break down some of the stigma around HIV.
“I’m exceptionally proud of how colleagues across the company have pulled together since the start of the pandemic, raising well over £10,000 for charities and local causes, and showing their willingness to support things like World AIDS Day.
“Please join us today in rocking the ribbon to help us do our bit for making life better for people living with HIV and AIDS.”
Donations to the National AIDS Trust can be made online or by texting ‘ROCKGNE’ and the amount you wish to donate to 70085 (for example, to donate £3, text: ROCKGNE 3 to 70085)
