Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust (HACT) invites the community to participate in a poignant tribute to loved ones lost to AIDS and cancer this year. This Friday, HACT will unveil its first-ever Tree of Remembrance, a beautiful symbol of hope and remembrance in commemoration of World AIDS Day.
Hillcrest, South Africa (26 November 2024) – Ahead of World AIDS Day on 1 December, Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust (HACT) invites the community to “light up a memory” in a touching tribute to loved ones who are no longer with us.
This Friday evening, 29 November, HACT will unveil its very first Tree of Remembrance on Old Main Road, a poignant commemoration of lives lost, particularly in the face of late-stage AIDS and cancer.
The ceremony will serve as a heartfelt tribute to those who have passed within the Centre’s Respite & Palliative Care Unit over the past year and a reminder of the strength and resilience of the community.
For R50, supporters can honour their loved ones by purchasing a globe to place on the tree, symbolising both remembrance and hope. Each globe will help fund essential care for patients within the Centre, directly benefiting individuals and families in need.
“The lights on our Tree of Remembrance are more than just a tribute—they’re a beacon of unconditional love and hope, which is HACT’s mission,” shares Candace Moolman, HACT’s CEO.
“We’ve had a challenging year at HACT and have lost patients, staff and volunteers, and we know many others have also experienced loss. We encourage our community to join us in celebrating lives, sharing memories, and shining a light on the journey of healing and support.”
Annual candle lighting ceremony
There organisation’s annual candle lighting ceremony will also be observed that same Friday morning to honour and remember the 69 lives lost in the Unit over the past year.
HACT’s Chief Executive Officer, Candace Moolman, shares that while there has been substantial progress made in the HIV response, there remains a risk these can be lost due to funding and capacity shortages. She stresses the need to ‘own’ the issue of HIV and AIDS to ensure the gains over the past decades aren’t lost.
“There is an international call to link progress to human rights and a strengthening of health systems. To end AIDS there is a need to reach and engage everyone who is living with, at risk of or affected by HIV, especially those who have been excluded or marginalised.
“This is an issue of political will and action, corporate responsibility, gender equality, acceptance, respect and care for everyone. Anything less than this will obstruct access to HIV prevention, testing and meaningful response. Part of protecting everyone’s health is by protecting and advocating for everyone’s rights,” explains Moolman.
As World AIDS Day approaches, Moolman advocates for a collective approach in pushing forward for progress towards HIV goals to avoid many lives being vulnerable and, sadly, lost.
“Change does not depend on a moment but on a movement. HACT is proudly continuing its work and advocacy toward our vision of healthy, empowered and AIDS-free communities.”
HACT thanks its partners and supporters who continue to support and strengthen its holistic services to address HIV and AIDS.
The public is invited to attend both the annual candle lighting (at 10 am) and the Tree of Remembrance ceremony (6.30 pm) on 29 November at 26 Old Main Road in Hillcrest, KZN.
The special event is a call to celebrate life, share a memory and shine a light of unconditional love and hope.
To reserve a globe for the tree and make a meaningful impact, please contact marketing@hillaids.org.za
Sources: Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust
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