Marquis Condoms To Sponsor Big Gay Out

Press Release
January 12, 2007

Marquis Condoms To Sponsor Big Gay Out In Five-Year Deal

The future of annual Auckland glbt fair day the Big Gay Out looks bright with the announcement this week of a major sponsorship deal between Marquis Condoms and the New Zealand AIDS Foundation.

Larry Jenkins, NZAF Fundraising & Events Co-ordinator, says he is delighted with the deal and describes the partnership as a natural pairing. “Since PHARMAC provided 300,000 free Marquis condoms for NZAF’s Gay Men’s Health promotion work we’ve appreciated the relationship with Marquis. This sponsorship underlines a strong commitment to begin what promises to be a long and happy partnership.”

The Big Gay Out, now in its seventh year, has become a major event on both the Auckland and glbt community calendar, regularly attracting crowds of over 10,000 people. It is organised by the New Zealand AIDS Foundation as a vehicle for raising HIV awareness, encouraging safe sex behaviour and building strong communities.

“For the first time, the 5-year Marquis deal means the event has money in place to begin planning each year,” Jenkins says. “The benefits for the gay community are in being fully acknowledged as long term partners in the prevention of HIV by a major condom manufacturer.”

Marquis Condoms, a 100% New Zealand-owned company, says it is pleased to be supporting HIV awareness with sponsorship of the Big Gay Out, as HIV is a concern for all New Zealanders.

“The partnership between NZAF and Marquis Condoms will not only promote HIV awareness but also condom awareness,” says Marquis General Manager, Sageran Naidoo. “Sexually transmitted infections like Chlamydia are rampant amongst our youth. Condoms are the best barrier against STIs and increased condom use will help reduce the incidence of all STIs, including HIV. “

The Big Gay Out will take place this year on February 11, from noon till 7pm, at Coyle Park in Pt Chevalier. A limited number of stalls are still available for booking by contacting Larry Jenkins or Peter Gordon using the contacts below:

Larry Jenkins
Ph: (09) 300-6965
Email: larry.jenkins@nzaf.org.nz

Peter Gordon
Ph: (09) 376-6344
Mob: (027) 454-1621
Email: rope@inspire.net.nz

ENDS

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