Red Cross Club Forms Human Ribbon

Race participants make a human red ribbon on the Green Oval

The AUB Red Cross Club held its fourth annual AIDS Run in December. This year, the marathon was not so much about promoting awareness about AIDS as it was about creating a feeling of support for patients with the disease. "When you group a bunch of people under the same cause, it becomes direct moral support for the patients with AIDS," commented Hania Chamas, the club's head of public relations.

For over a month, the club's sponsors and its supporters did all they could to organize a fun and caring event. Then, on December 5 at the start of the run, each participant was given an AIDS Run T-shirt, a pin, and the runner's number, as well as informational brochures about the Red Cross AIDS program. And finally, the race was on. Eagerly, everyone watched the runners speed down and across through AUB campus, pushing towards the Oval to reach the finishing line.

The first three runners to complete the run were rewarded prizes, which included a set of sportswear, free membership at Platinum gym for one month, and a Beesline skin care package. A special prize was also given to the Student Activism Club, chosen as the Best Group for its inspiring enthusiasm and pithy banners, one of which read, "Discrimination is worse than AIDS." Finally, in accordance with tradition, the participants joined hands in creating a human ribbon representing collective empathy towards all who suffer from AIDS.