[Media Advisory] Communities to honour Torontonians lost to HIV and AIDS at the 41th AIDS Candlelight Vigil on June 24

Toronto ON: Communities and allies will gather to commemorate and honour those lost to HIV and AIDS as well as celebrate those living with HIV. 

The vigil will, as always, be hosted at Toronto’s historic AIDS Memorial. 

When: Tuesday, June 24, 2025 

Where: AIDS Memorial, Barbara Hall Park [519 Church St.] 

Time: 9 p.m. onwards 

The evening is dedicated to reflecting on 41 years of honouring the stories of loss, struggle, community, progress, and dignity. This year’s theme is ‘Legacy is the Light, Action is the Path’. 

Hosted by Chelsea Davis and Susan Shumba, the evening will feature a drum opening, choral, song, and dance performances, details about the AIDS Storytelling Project, the reading of new names added to the memorial, and a candlelight vigil. 

Just the facts:   

• The annual AIDS Candlelight Vigil is organized by a committee of volunteers from AIDS service organizations and our communities. The 519 is proud to serve as the trustees of the AIDS Memorial. 

• The AIDS Memorial opened in 1993 and was designed by city architect Patrick Fahn. 

• 34 names have been added to the AIDS Memorial this year, bringing the total to 2,950 names. 

Contact: 
Rebecca Hooton (she/her)
RHooton@The519.org  

Vigil Partners:  
The 519 • Casey House • 2 Spirited People of the 1st Nations • Action Positive • The Teresa Group • Black CAP • ACT • Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy (OAHAS) • Fife House • People with AIDS Foundation • Canadian AIDS Society • Pride Toronto • Centre for Spanish-Speaking Peoples • PASAN 

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