A charity hopes its first annual walk will raise $10,000 for an education scholarship for Bermudians affected by AIDS or HIV.

STAR, which stands for Supportive Therapy for AIDS Persons and their Relatives, runs sensitivity and awareness presentations throughout the Island in churches, schools and workplaces.

To initiate the charity’s education fund, Alicia Tallack, walk organiser, planned a one-mile walk on May 6, which has also received support from Lady Vereker.

Ms Tallack, 24, said: “We are aiming for $10,000 to initiate the fund and in the future the walk will hopefully help it grow. But rather than just monetary assistance we’re trying to raise awareness. Bring a picnic, pets, kids, make a day of it. It’s only one mile and its family friendly. We’re going to have the Gombeys leading the walk and DJs, Chewstick, have donated their time to play from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.”

In Bermuda there have been 509 cases of AIDS diagnosed, of which 399 or 78.39 percent of the cases have resulted in the deaths of the individuals.

Caroline Armstrong, director of STAR and Coordinator of Lighthouse, said: “What has been taking place in people with HIV is they have been doing better with their health.

“So we have people with HIV who would like to pursue their education. The education fund is not only for younger generations but for many their lifestyle has caused them to be where they are with their diagnosis. And now they have changed their lifestyle and can have an opportunity to go to school and become gainfully employed.”

The walk will leave from the Berry Hill entrance of the Botanical Gardens at 2 p.m. and registration will start at 12 p.m. near the South Shore Road entrance by Camden.

Ms Tallack, who is from Canada, however, was surprised Bermuda did not have an annual AIDS walk because the annual Toronto walk attracts thousands. “When I came to Bermuda I asked when the AIDS walk was. When I found out there wasn’t one I decided, instead of talking about it I would do it,” Ms Tallack said.

And she hopes the walk does more than just raise financial support but also an awareness of a preventable, but deadly disease.

She said: “HIV and AIDS have no preference for age, gender, sexual preference or race. We’re all at risk. Understanding how to protect yourself is the best defence.

“Knowledge is power and everyone deserves power over their own lives. I think the bursary program will do that- it will provide those affected by the disease with the power of education.”

Ms Tallack added: “If you’re not interested in doing pledges you can show up on the day and donate, but this walk is for everyone. So even if you can’t donate come and show support.”

A nurses booth will also be at the walk providing information for those affected by AIDS or HIV or are infected by the diseases.

If you are interested in raising money for the education fund with the walk, you can collect a sponsorship form from MAC cosmetics, contact Ms Tallack at 332-8946 or email at alicia_tallack[AT]hotmail.com

Anyone who is interested in more information on STAR can contact Ms Armstrong at 292-5941.