For 15 years, the AIDS Food Store’s giant pride flag has been a very visual part of the Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride Parade. Last year, the flag was retired and donated to the Historical Society of Long Beach’s LGBT History Project. On May 18, during this year’s Pride Parade, the AIDS Food Store will unveil their new flag.
Measuring 30 feet by 70 feet, the new flag with consist of 350 squares of each of the pride colors; red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. The AIDS Food Store is asking the community for some help with their new “Raise the Flag” fundraising campaign. Supporters can purchase a square of any color for $10, or the complete spectrum for $50. This donation would help purchase the new flag, but would also support their programs which provide nutritional food, and emotional and spiritual support for people living with HIV and AIDS.
“There have been great strides in medication and treatment for HIV and AIDS over the last 20 years and people are living longer, however infection is still an issue in many communities and demographics, and the need continues to be great,” John Newell, president of the AIDS Food Store, said.
The Food Store will dedicate the first and last rows of the flag to the men and women who receive their services, “as a reminder that their work begins and ends with their clients.” If interested in making a donation, visit the AIDS Food Store website at aidsfoodstore.org .
Source: The AIDS Food Store, Inc
