First United Methodist Church, Proud United

Man wearing red ribbon. (photo by Anna Shvets on pexels.com)

Dec. 1 is World AIDS Day. First United Methodist Church and Proud United Methodist Alliance (PUMAs) showed support of this first-ever global health day last Sunday, Nov. 28.

FUMC supports the World AIDS Day celebration

Each year, Dec. 1 is a special day for people to unite for the fight against HIV. As reported on eNEWS, Proud United Methodist Alliance (PUMAs) had red ribbons available before and after the service for attendees who would like to wear them on Sunday, Nov. 28, at both campuses.

First Church participated in this effort and made red ribbons available at Linder Patio on the same date. Each ribbon costs $2. All proceeds will go to Christie's Place.

Every year Dec. 1 is a great time not only to show support but to commemorate those who have perished from an AIDS-related illness. As stated on eNEWS, this first-ever global health day was founded in 1988.

Red Ribbon

According to World AIDS Day, National AIDS Trust Website, this ribbon is a universal symbol of awareness and support for people living with HIV. Additionally, it is a great way to get everyone informed about AIDS.

In 1991, twelve artists who worked on a new project for Visual AIDS – a New York HIV- awareness arts organization, came up with the red ribbon, which is to be worn to signify awareness and support for people with HIV.

The artists took inspiration from the yellow ribbons used to show support for the US military during the Gulf War. They chose red instead of pink and rainbow stripes because they wanted to tell that HIV was relevant to everyone.

Furthermore, the artists chose red for its boldness and symbolically associated with passion, heart, and love.

Christie's Place

As shared on its Facebook page, Christie's Place is a non – profit social service organization located in San Diego. It provides HIV/AIDS support, education, and advocacy for children, women, and families.

According to its webpage, the organization's leadership is committed to serving its clients until a cure is found for HIV/AIDS. Christie's Place will provide comprehensive social services in a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment.

Moreover, as indicated on its website, the organization encourages its clients to improve the quality of their lives.

Among the goals of Christie's Place are increased access to health care, developing strategies to overcome actual and perceived barriers to the system of care, fostering self–empowerment, and developing leadership skills among women.

Moreover, to educate and encourage women to participate actively in their care and treatment and plan for services.

To learn more about Christie's Place, one may visit its Facebook page and website. Christie's Place is located at 2440 Third Ave., San Diego, CA 92101.

First United Methodist Church

First United Methodist Church of San Diego is located at 211 Camino del Rio S., San Diego, CA 92116. As per its webpage, First Church is a community of believers. Its mission is "to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world."

Its Statement of Inclusivity states that it welcomes all people and respects the dignity of every human being.