To mark its 25th anniversary, AIDS Concern held a 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner at The Langham Hong Kong on 13th November, 2015. The objective of the charity fundraising gala was to raise money to provide local AIDS care, towards AIDS Concern’s TRIPLE ZERO mission- ZERO new HIV infections, ZERO stigma and ZERO AIDS deaths.
Guests who attended the Gala Dinner include Mrs Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, GBS JP, Chief Secretary for Administration and Patron of AIDS Concern, Mr. James Chau, UNAIDS National Goodwill Ambassador for China and Singer Mr. Anthony Wong Yiu-ming, Ambassador of AIDS Concern.
Mrs. Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor GBS JP, Chief Secretary for Administration and Patron of AIDS Concern, in her speech, stated, ‘AIDS Concern is the first local NGO dedicated to dealing with issues related to HIV. For a quarter of a century, it has been committed to educating the public about HIV, and providing support services for infected patients, patients’ family and friends, and at-risk groups as well. All these good efforts deserve the appreciation of the community at large. I wish AIDS Concern every success in the many more years to come.’
UNAIDS National Goodwill Ambassador for China Mr. James Chau said, ‘There are treatments that allow you to live a safe, happy and healthy life, but there is no pill to address the stigma and discrimination. There is no pill to allow you to feel less hurt when you are fired from a job or kicked out of the house, or when somebody does not want to talk to you. I thank AIDS Concern because you started 25 years ago when some presidents and prime ministers would not even dare utter those three letters.’
Singer Mr. Anthony Wong Yiu-ming, Ambassador of AIDS Concern, gave a performance on the night and said, ‘When AIDS Concern was founded in 1990, it was the only organization taking HIV action shortly after the first case was reported in Hong Kong. It was also the first organization to invite me to support the cause. I am very glad to perform in its 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner and support its work, especially prevention and education work for high-risk groups such as men who have sex with men.’
Chief Executive of AIDS Concern Mr. Andrew Chidgey said, ‘HIV/AIDS remains a threat to health in Hong Kong. After 25 years of service AIDS Concern is working for zero new infections, zero stigma and zero AIDS deaths. The year’s gala was a brilliant occasion to bring together hundreds of AIDS Concern’s supporters to raise money for action on HIV. Thanks to our title sponsor The Langham, Hong Kong and also the many guests who came. Together we can beat HIV.’
Photos of the dinner are available at https://www.dropbox.com/sh/6t1oed6bvnu3nxv/AAA4pVMSw9y9jl2vmjSLB4hla?dl=0
For further information, please contact
Annie Li
Communications Officer
AIDS Concern
Tel: 2898 4411 / 9753 9074
annie.li@aidsconcern.org.hk