Story:Dec. 1will mark the 21st annual World AIDS Day. Since 1988 countries around the globe have taken time to acknowledge the devastation that the disease has caused, honour and remember those we have lost, and rally together to find a cure.

This is actually the first time I have personally heard about the day. Although I have been well aware of the impact AIDS has had I have always felt somewhat sheltered from it. Often times when something doesn’t affect us personally we tend to forget that it exists and is very real for others. It’s a selfish tendency that is part of mankind. Luckily, though, there are people like Shannon Skidmore and Brandy Robertson who go against the grain and help bring out the good in all of us. They are part of the local committee at Brandon University of the World University Service of Canada (WUSC). They give a voice to many who are unable to speak for themselves. Through support, caring, and funds they have helped out many causes both locally and on the global scale.

As the members of WUSC are also university students it is only fitting that they create an excuse to celebrate and perhaps party with their fundraising. On Dec. 1 in support of World AIDS Day WUSC has organized a BAND-AIDS at The 40 — a social featuring six local bands with all proceeds going towards supporting Bikes for Africa. In an area that has truly been devastated by HIV and AIDS, bikes will make a difference bigger than you or I could imagine. In sub-Saharan Africa 80 per cent of the population lives in rural areas and bicycles are the primary modes of transportation. A bike for an aid worker, volunteer, doctor, educator, caregiver, or a community member could mean the difference of life or death. That is the motivation for WUSC and the group is hoping to raise some serious funds to purchase as many bicycles as possible. Raising money shouldn’t be too challenging for them considering the lineup they have rounded up to showcase at The 40.

Six local bands have agreed to volunteer their time and talent. Beauty and the Brutes, Tenderfield Road, Take With Audio, Jimmy Legs and The Funk, Blacklite Buddha, and 18 Rabbit will all play a set on Tuesday night. Tickets are $5 in advance and can be purchased from members of WUSC. They are $8 at the door and with such a fantastic lineup you are still getting an excellent deal. Along with the great music there will also be raffle tickets for sale and perhaps even a bike you can win for yourself.

Shannon Skidmore summed it up: “This is such a great cause and to be able to see BU students and people in Brandon participating is an excellent feeling. As corny as it sounds, something needs to be done to help defeat AIDS and promote its awareness and if it is as simple as putting on a fundraiser social then every little bit counts!” The best part, of course, will come with the actual delivery of the bikes, but a fun, rockin’ concert on a Tuesday night is also never a bad thing.