Going out for dinner Wednesday can help those living with HIV/AIDS in the London-area.
For the 13th year, 27 restaurants in London, one in Exeter, and one in Stratford will open their doors for A Taste For Life. The restaurants will donate 25% of their sales to the Regional HIV/AIDS Connection.
Fund Development Coordinator Melissa Whaling says the Connection uses the money for programs not supported by provincial and federal funding.
"Assistance with getting to appointments, respite care at our John Gordon Home, psychological services, peer support groups, and social activities," says Whaling. "People living with HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C often experience stigma and isolation so just having them participate socially assists as well.
Whaling says they also make sure a portion of the funds goes to stock the shelves of their Country Cupboard food bank.
"Quite a few of our clients are living below the poverty line and they need a little assistance with general nutrition and food intake," says Whaling.
Last year, A Taste For Life raised $48,000 for the London-area.
The fundraising initiative originated in Ottawa in 1999 and has spread to 23 communities nationwide over the past 18 years.
Whaling says it is important those dining out for the cause make their reservations at participating restaurants as soon as possible, as most book up quickly.
For a list of participating restaurants, visit www.atasteforlife.org.
