Get Tickets Here

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.