Dignitas International is a medical humanitarian organization working with communities to dramatically increase access to life-saving HIV/AIDS-related prevention, treatment, care and support.
Founded by a group of international health and research experts, Dignitas is led by James Fraser and by Dr. James Orbinski, who accepted the 1999 Nobel Peace Prize as International President of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF/Doctors Without Borders). Dignitas is saving lives in Zomba District, Malawi, with a community-based HIV/AIDS treatment delivery and prevention model to be replicated throughout the developing world.
What is the Race for Dignity?
The Race for Dignity was inspired by a resolve to raise awareness about the global AIDS pandemic. Scott Simpson, an HIV+ Canadian and medal-winning triathlete, wanted to highlight inequities in access to HIV medications in the developing world by cycling 13,000km across the continent of Africa in support of Dignitas. Due to concerns about his health, however, Scott was unable to embark on this challenge.
Students later heard his story and were inspired to symbolically finish the race for him by organizing stationary bikeathons at Dignitas Youth campuses. The first event occurred on December 1, 2005 – World AIDS Day. Dignitas Youth chapters continue to host Race for Dignity events every winter, raising awareness and funds in support of Dignitas's work.
During the XVI International AIDS Conference in August 2006, Dignitas held a 65-hour Race for Dignity. Our guest cyclists included Toronto Mayor David Miller, Jim Creeggan of the Barenaked Ladies, MPs Olivia Chow and Steven Fletcher and TV personality Mag Ruffman.
Once again, on June 23, 2007, Dignitas International held the Race for Dignity Challenge - a 12-hour fundraising spinathon on stationary bikes for people living with HIV/AIDS in Africa.
The event raised over $300,000 for Dignitas's work in Africa!
Teams of participants spun at Toronto's Yonge-Dundas Square to support access to life-saving HIV medications and Dignitas's innovative community-based care model.
The Race for Dignity is an ongoing opportunity to promote community awareness and positive involvement in the response to HIV/AIDS in Africa.
Be part of the Race for Dignity Challenge in 2008 - register now and join us on Saturday, July 5 at Yonge-Dundas Square in downtown Toronto. Be part of the AIDS solution.
Watch our video recap of the 2007 Race for Dignity Challenge:
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