Rapport Guest Services Teams Up With myGwork For World AIDS Day
News
Rapport Guest Services has teamed up with myGwork to raise much-needed funds for HIV and AIDS charities across the UK, and to stand shoulder to shoulder with those affected by HIV and AIDS by taking part in the RED RUN. By Rapport’s Sam Hunt and Emily Abbam
The RED RUN takes place, during the last weekend of November each year to coincide with World AIDS Day on the 1st of December. The event was started back in 2009 by not-for-profit organization Positive East, which is on a mission to improve the quality of life of individuals and communities affected by HIV.
“Positive East is a community-based organization, and we rely upon the community to support and sustain our work. Our ability to provide our extensive range of health and wellbeing programs for people living with HIV is only possible with the commitment Rapport and myGwork have shown to the community and our services,” said Ian Montgomery, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Positive East. “The involvement of Rapport and myGwork in the RED RUN is invaluable as all the funds and awareness raised on the day will make an immediate and long-lasting impact and will be used to support our services, ensuring those living with HIV are able to access the care they need to live well and empowered.”
It has become clear that World AIDS Day and supporting HIV charities across the UK is a very important initiative for our ambassadors. Every year, individuals from all walks of life in our business come together to run, walk, fundraise, and educate in support of World AIDS Day. 106,000 people are currently living with HIV in the UK (50,000 in London) and there are still too many people across the world and the UK who are undiagnosed or diagnosed too late.
Rapport first participated in the London RED RUN in 2019 and since then, it has always been an important event for many of our ambassadors. The event, which started as a community fun run, has grown over the years from just 50 people running in a park, to a full celebration with charity stalls, an AIDS memorial, food and drinks, entertainment, and special guests. It was great to see Sir Ian McKellen attend in 2019.
Many of our Rapport ambassadors were born after the 1980s and therefore perhaps too young to remember the specific events that took place. Despite this, our teams have learnt about the impact that HIV has had on our community, both in terms of physical health (past and present), but also the impact on negative stereotypes and the stigma which sadly still exists today.
Even when the RED RUN had to be cancelled due to lockdowns, many of our ambassadors took this opportunity to spread awareness and education around the AIDS epidemic and raise funds in their own way. Our Pride @ Rapport Network committee hosted a webinar and virtual social to learn about the HIV virus, misinformation, treatments, and preventions. One member of the committee also took it upon herself to host a virtual bake sale to raise funds for Positive East.
This year we’re going big by teaming up with myGwork, one of our community partners to make the biggest running team we’ve had yet, and to raise much needed funds and awareness. Rapport’s Diversity and Inclusion Business Partner, Emily Abbam shares the importance of recognising World Aids Day and the continuation of the work year-round: “The theme for Word AIDS Day this year is ‘Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to End HIV’. We understand that there is still much work to be done and we continue to provide opportunities for our ambassadors to come together, be educated and provide a space for action to take place. We are thrilled to be teaming up with myGwork this year and cannot wait to lace up and take action, hopefully encouraging more people everywhere to unite to help remove the disparities and discrimination that create barriers and stop people accessing the care they need. Well done and thank you to our teams participating.”
We are also very excited to share that Rapport’s Head of Learning & Development, Gary Acheson, will be featuring on the myGwork panel discussion for World AIDS Day. Click here to register.
Nervous about running, walking, or attending the Red Run this November? Here’s some reassurance from our ambassadors whatever the weather.
Sam Hunt, Chair of Rapport’s Pride committee:
“The night before the RED RUN in 2021, we were issued severe weather warnings and informed that the stalls and activities had to be pulled. On the big day I showed up to the event where it was cold, raining, and I thought I might be the only one from my team to go in the end. But then suddenly I heard a voice behind me ‘Hey Sam!’. Despite the threat of sideways rain, hail, and 4° temperature, nearly 20 Rapport ambassadors (and a baby) showed up. How lucky I am to work with these people.”
Rapport ambassador Andreea:
“My first ever London RED RUN was absolutely brilliant, despite the cold.”
Rapport ambassador Mat:
“The weather wasn't great but as soon as we started to move it only got better, not to mention the great cause kept us motivated until the finishing line!”
Rapport ambassador, Oihane:
“This event is an acknowledgement of work still to be done and an opportunity for each of us to remember those whose fight against HIV ended too soon.”
RED RUN’s organiser, Positive East, welcomes all donations. Click here to donate if you can.
