Media Release

For Immediate Release

February 13, 2008

Are you AWARE of what’s going on?

This year’s AWARE Project photo advertising campaign features popular misconceptions about the HIV/AIDS epidemic, emphasizing the importance of getting educated in order to combat the epidemic.

Students from Saint Mary’s University are taking a leadership role in helping reduce the cases of AIDS/HIV around the globe.

On March 7, 2008 at 6:00 PM at the Halifax Westin Nova Scotian Hotel, students from the AWARE (Activists Worldwide AIDS/HIV Reproductive Education) Project will hold their second annual exclusive AWARE Spring Fashion Show. This is the largest fashion show if its kinds being held this year in Halifax, NS.

Under the leadership of Kaitlyn Sawyer, the AWARE Project at SMU has been growing strong since its inception on campus three years ago. She is from Maine, USA, and is nearing completion of a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in International Development Studies (IDS).

“The AWARE Project installs education programs in developing countries with the long-term goal of lowering new HIV/AIDS contractions, while indirectly unifying and educating youth and beyond about the importance of protection and educated decision-making through a photographic advertising campaign,” says Sawyer, who serves as the Program Coordinator for AWARE Canada.

“Over the years the AWARE Project has been gaining stamina within the community. This year, students are pleased to announce our partnership with City Models Talent/Modeling Agency, as well as the opportunity to bring our efforts closer to home by donating all profits to the Nova Scotia Gambia Association which has seen great success through programming currently based in Gambia and Sierra Leone since it’s inception in 1985,” she says.

The Spring Fashion Show will showcase local, grassroots designers from all over Canada, giving the Halifax’s fashion-conscious community a chance to preview upcoming trends, as well as the opportunity to at last participate in a professional fashion show. In addition, the event will allow local designers a chance to showcase their lines as well as the chance to advertise and sell their clothing.

“In light of last year’s success, a brand new team of executive organizers which specialize specifically in promotion and event management, we have proposed the Red Party in which all attendees wear red to demonstrate their unification and awareness regarding the HIV/AIDS epidemic,” she says. “The AWARE Project executives will use their networks of artists and talents to organize the event in collaboration with students associations from Saint Mary’s University, Dalhousie, and Acadia. All proceeds from the Red Parties will go to the Nova Scotia Gambia Association.”

This year’s AWARE Project photo advertising campaign features popular misconceptions about the HIV/AIDS epidemic, emphasizing the importance of getting educated in order to combat the epidemic.

Modeling for the adverts included members of the Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association (SMUSA), international students from SMU, the Model United Nations Team at SMU, and students from other local universities — all of whom helped create edgy advertisements. The lead photographer for the ad campaign was Josh Webb of JWebb Photography.

The AWARE Canada Executive Team consists of Mac Shaker, MSVU grad and promoter for Embassy Night Club in Halifax; Josh Szeto, freelance Photographer and fashion designer, NSCAD alumnus; and Nada Bakraky, third year marketing student in the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s.

For those interested in supporting the Nova Scotia Gambia Association and the AWARE Project, or would like more information, please contact Kaitlyn Sawyer immediately at (902) 405-9753 or by e-mail at kaitlyncsawyer@yahoo.com

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For More Information:

Paul Fitzgerald
Public Affairs Officer
Saint Mary's University, Public Affairs
(902) 420.5514
E-mail: paul.fitzgerald@smu.ca
www.smu.ca