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Pack your bags, slip on your sunglasses, and get ready to be whisked away to the sun-soaked Greek isles! In 2026, the Drag-Along Spectacular returns with a Mediterranean twist as drag and burlesque performers bring Mamma Mia! to life like you’ve never seen it before.
The Drag-Along Spectacular is a one-of-a-kind fundraiser that blends film, live performance, and community. As the beloved movie musical plays on two massive on-stage screens, local drag and burlesque artists take over the stage, weaving show-stopping performances directly into iconic musical moments.
Join us on Saturday, March 7th at the Light House Arts Centre. Doors open at 7:30 PM with the show starting at 8:30 PM.
Tickets are $30 for first-come, first-served stadium seating, or $500 for a reserved table of 10 (plus fees).
The Light House Arts Centre is an accessible venue with gender neutral washrooms and there will be ASL interpretation for the performance. This is a 19+ event.
Following sold-out Drag-Along hits like Moulin Rouge, Chicago, and Grease, this is shaping up to be another unforgettable night of laughter, music, and magic - all in support of HEAL NS.
Mamma Mia, here we go again, and you don’t want to miss it.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Community Sponsor:
The Health Equity Alliance of Nova Scotia would like to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who attended the RED GALA on November 15th, 2025 at the Marriott Harbourfront. It was a spectacular night that was made possible by our amazing sponsors, silent auction donors and incredible community of supporters. Your generosity allows HEAL NS to continue our work of providing free and confidential help to those living and affected by HIV, while also championing health equity for all 2S/LGBTQIA+ Nova Scotians.
Guests sipped on signature cocktails, enjoyed a full cash bar, and savoured light appetizers. Everyone explored the treasures that were in store at our silent auction, and experienced performances that put the spotlight on the brilliance of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community. The stunning line-up of performers included: Halifax Gay Men's Chorus, Mz Vicki, Beef Pattie, Bibingkita, Elle Noir, SpiraLynn & Betty Leonardi, Kyann Pepper, Izzy Limpwrist, Proshenna Rett, Mya Foxx, Richard Rockhard and DJ PhAwks.
A special thanks goes out to the fabulous hosts of the Red Gala, Rouge Fatale and Deva Station, and to Cat MacKeigan for their tireless work as Stage Manager.
For more information about the Red Gala and partnership opportunities, please contact Fund Development Officer Zach Nicholson.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Bronze Sponsors:
Community Sponsors:
Silent Auction Donors:
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Please note that the list of partners and supporters of HEAL NS changes frequently. If your name is missing please let us know. It is our goal to work collaboratively with others to reach success in a shared vision for the future.
Corporate & Business Supporters
Local Sponsors
- McKiggan Hebert Lawyers
- Kimball Law
- Regency Salon and Spa (CBBC Career College)
- Gilead Canada
- Nova Scotia General Employee’s Union (NSGEU)
- Tara MacDonald Inc.
- MAC Cosmetics
- Nova Scotia Spirit Co.
- Docaitta Design
- WestJet
- The Atlantica Halifax
Without the generous support of corporate and business community members, HEAL NS would not be able to achieve such a high level of success. Thank you for your ongoing commitment.
Want a Trip Somewhere Sunny and Warm?
Win the I ❤️ Travel - Gift of Flight - Raffle!
WestJet has provided HEAL NS with an amazing package for our raffle: one round-trip flight for two guests to any regularly scheduled and marketed WestJet destination in the world - to be used by February 2027.
The winner will also receive a $250 travel gift card, courtesy of Altitude Travel!
Whether you're visiting family, or getting your dream winter getaway, we have you covered. A maximum of 750 tickets will be sold.
Tickets are:
1 for $20
3 for $50
or 10 for $125
Ticket sales will end at 11:59 PM on February 12, 2026. Players of this lottery must reside in Nova Scotia, and be 19 years of age or older.
The draw is to take place at 1 PM on February 13, 2026 at the HEAL NS office in Halifax, and results will be announced live on the HEAL NS Facebook page. Draw results will also be emailed to all participants. The winner will be contacted by phone and/or email.
The ‘I ♥ Travel - Gift of Flight Raffle’
is in support of the Health Equity Alliance of Nova Scotia.
* No cash value. Fees, taxes, surcharges not included. Blackout dates and restrictions apply. All bookings and travel must be completed by February 13, 2027.
WestJet 2026 Blackout Dates
Feb 12 – 16, Mar 12 - 16, Mar 19 - 23, Mar 26 - 30, Apr 2 - 6, May 14 - 16, May 18, Jun 25 – Jul 1
July 30 – Aug 3, Sep 3 - 7, Sep 28 - 30, Oct 8 - 10, Oct 12, Nov 6-11, Dec 16 - 31
WestJet 2027 Blackout Dates
Jan 1 – 4, Feb 11 - 15
2025 Project Success and Impact: Thanks to our community of knitters and crocheters, we successfully collected over 325 scarves!
CTV News came to speak with Chris Aucoin, the Executive Director of HEAL NS, about the Red Scarf Project and World AIDS Day. You can check the segment out here.
The Red Scarf Project: A Visible Sign of Solidarity
Every December 1st, on World AIDS Day, HEAL NS lines the fences of the Halifax Public Gardens with red scarves.These scarves are handknit or crocheted, red in colour and made of wool or acrylic yarn. They are made and donated by members of our community. These 5 feet by 6 inch scarves are a symbol of hope, remembrance, and solidarity for those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in Nova Scotia.
This annual awareness campaign honours those we’ve lost, sparks conversation, and helps prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS by sharing vital information with our community. Every scarf displayed carries a small tag with information about HIV/AIDS, and anyone who needs a scarf is welcome to take one. At the end of the day, remaining scarves are donated to local shelters.
Why Red?
The red scarf mirrors the iconic HIV/AIDS awareness ribbon, a powerful emblem of compassion, solidarity, and the fight against stigma.
- Symbolism: The red ribbon represents the connection to blood, the loss of life, passion, love, anger, and the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS.
- History: Inspired by the yellow ribbons tied for Gulf War soldiers, the Visual AIDS Artist Caucus created the red ribbon in 1991.
- Impact: Its bold, visible colour makes it instantly recognisable and effective in raising awareness.
By knitting, donating, or wearing a red scarf, you’re joining a global movement of compassion and awareness.
After the Event
At the end of World AIDS Day, all remaining scarves are collected and donated to nearby shelters, ensuring they continue to provide warmth and comfort.
For general inquiries, scarf donations, volunteering, etc. please contact Labiba Noor (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), the Fund Development and Marketing Intern.
On Sunday, Nov. 30, HEAL NS will be hosting the 2025 Halifax World AIDS Day Vigil.
This year the Vigil will be both in-person and virtual. The ceremony starts at 7:00pm.
The in-person Vigil is being held at the University of King's College, New Academic Building (6350 Coburg Road) in Halifax. Masking is requested (and masks will be made available), and ASL will be provided. A scent-free policy is in place for this event. The space is accessible and on a bus route, and metered parking is close by.
The virtual aspect of the Vigil will be available via Zoom, and ASL will be live-streamed as part of the Zoom feed. To register for the Zoom link contact Hanley (see info below).
All are welcome to join us as we remember and celebrate the lives of individuals living with HIV/AIDS who have passed away in Nova Scotia. The night will include the Reading of the Names and a candle-lighting ceremony to honour their lives. There will be speakers, musical performances, and more.
HEAL NS offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities including Fund Development and Awareness Events, supporting Program work (PLHA services, HIV/STI prevention work, and border health promotion projects), and Board or Committee work.
Make a difference. Volunteer Now.
Program work occurs during regular office hours - as well as evenigns and weekends. Fund development and awareness events usually occur in the evenings or on weekends.
We have various events occurring throughout the year. Our yearly schedule includes:
- Pride Bingo
- Halifax Pride Week
- The Red Gala
- Drag-Along Spectacular
- AIDS Awareness Week - Late November, ending December 1st
- Halifax World AIDS Day Vigil
PLHA Services includes our Complimentary and Alternative Therapies (CATS) Program. Registered therapists from differing modalities such as therapeutic massage, and osteopathy offer free appointments to our HIV-positive members; etc.
The Board composition reflects the involvement of people living with HIV, health professionals, community members and various other skill areas. The Board operates under a Policy Board model (CARVER). Board members are elected for a two-year term and participate in at least one of the board committees: (1) Human Resources & Governance Committee; or (2) Vision & Strategy Committee.
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Sponsor an Event
At HEAL NS, we are always seeking passionate sponsors - whether they are individuals, businesses, or larger corporate partners - who want to create meaningful change in our community. Your support directly fuels our mission to raise awareness, promote education, and support vital programs related to HIV prevention and 2S/LGBTQIA+ health across Nova Scotia.
By sponsoring HEAL NS, you're not just contributing financially, you're making a bold statement that you care about health equity and public well-being. Your sponsorship helps us host impactful awareness events, develop outreach campaigns, and expand our programs that serve those living with or at risk of HIV.
Thanks to our sponsors, we’re able to reach more people, recruit more volunteers, and increase the visibility of life-saving prevention and support resources. The ripple effect of your support is powerful and it helps reduce stigma, build community, and improve outcomes for those who need it most.
If you or someone you know are passionate about HIV awareness and 2S/LGBTQIA+ health, we invite you to become a sponsor today. Together, we can create lasting, positive change in Nova Scotia.
For information on how to get involved, contact our Fund Development Officer Zach Nicholson.
Host Your Own Event
Hosting an event to raise funds for the Health Equity Alliance of Nova Scotia can be easy! Your event can be anything – an aerobics marathon, a stair climb, bake sale, a bowling or golf tournament – or whatever else you can dream up. If you need some assistance, ask us – we have lots of ideas. Contact us today and we can talk more about it.
To inspire you, here’s some pastexamples of third party fundraisers: BBQs, Glam Delusion, an 80s Old School Dance Party, Wine and Cheese....
To register your event, please contact Chris at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We’ll need your name, and your fundraising idea. In return we’ll offer any help we can give!
Please note that the list of partners and supporters of HEAL NS changes frequently. If your name is missing please let us know. It is our goal to work collaboratively with others to reach success in a shared vision for the future.
Primary Funding Partners
National Partners
- CATIE
- Canadian AIDS Society
- Action Hepatitis Canada
- Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network
- Canadian Treatment Action Council
- Realize Canada
- Canadian HIV/AIDS Black, African & Caribbean Network
- PSAN – Prisoners Network
- Canadian Positive People Network (CPPN)
Atlantic Partners
- PEERS Alliance
- AIDS Committee of Newfoundland & Labrador
- AIDS New Brunswick
- Healing Our Nations
- Health Association of African Canadians
- Atlantic Interdisciplinary Research Network
Nova Scotia Partners
- Northern Healthy Connections Society
- Ally Centre of Cape Breton
- NS Advisory Commission on AIDS
- The Youth Project
- NS Rainbow Action Project
- prideHealth
- Mainline Needle Exchange
- Mobile Street Outreach
- Direction 180
- Sexual Health Nova Scotia
- Stepping Stone
- Halifax Sexual Health Centre
- Transition House Association of NS
- Dalhousie Legal Aid Service
- NS Legal Aid Youth Justice
- Community Health Boards of NS
More...
Imagine…
- A world where people living with HIV have access to the programs and services they needed to help them become happier and healthier.
- The impact on their lives, their family members and those they love if they received all the support they needed.
- A place to find out answers to questions about HIV, HCV or other STIs so people with HIV, and those at risk, can make better, healthier decisions. A place where anyone can ask questions, get a referral, tell their story and receive support…
HEAL NS is committed to creating change by
- Providing support services programming for people living with and most affected and in doing so, we are empowering, informing and supporting.
- Helping people living with HIV to build support networks
- Providing education & skills building opportunities for individuals and communities so that others may be part of the solution.
- Disseminating resources, workshops and campaigns that seek to address misinformation about HIV, HCV and other STIs, and to combat stigmas.
- Delivering targeted prevention programs to meet the needs of unique populations, such as specific programming for street youth, health check lists for gay men, prevention campaigns for women as well as our African Black & Caribbean communities, and more. Check our Programs & Services section of our website. (link)
- Striving to influence the development of healthy public policy that fosters supportive environments for people living with HIV so they can easily access services and community supports.
- Collaborating with more than 50 other groups and organizations across NS to achieve our goals.
With your help, HEAL NS has played a strong role in reducing the negative side of how HIV can impact people and families.We have helped to inform hundreds of individuals each year through our targeted programs. We have distributed thousands of resources, received hundreds of calls and provided referrals.
It is by the generosity of our donors, and the work of our volunteers and staff, HEAL NS has great success and an impact in our communities.
There are many meaningful ways to get involved with HEAL NS. No matter how you show your support, you will make a difference in the lives of the communities we serve in Nova Scotia.
Take part in exciting fundraising events as a volunteer, or just join us for some fun. Volunteers and event supporters play an important role in our efforts to provide access to support for people living with HIV, HIV and STI prevention education programs and campaigns, broader health promotion work fpor 2S?LGBTQIA+ folk, and our commitment to reducing stigma and advocating for positive change.
Involvement as an individual, group or company, builds a sense of community and teamwork. Many volunteers say that HEAL NSevents are a favourite, or even their top pick, among their volunteer work. Make a difference, share what you have learned, develop your talents, connect with new people and be a part of a larger team.
The positive impact of your involvement will help improve the quality of all those we serve. We can’t do it without you!