Magnum GT Taylor Extravaganza to partner with AIDS Prevention Unit

(Dec-23-2008)

The Jamaica AIDS Prevention unit has secured an arrangement with GT Taylor, which will see patrons at his upcoming Christmas Extravaganza being able to access critical information and services in the fight against HIV/AIDS. According to Diana Johnson of The AIDS Prevention Unit, the aim is to reach out to persons who fall into the risk category "whenever and wherever they can". The event, which takes place on Thursday December 25 is a wholesome Christmas celebration embracing many aspects of social life in St. Elizabeth, and as such has invited the unit to deliver their messages in the dancehall setting.

Gary Dixon, Brand Manager of Title sponsor Magnum Tonic Wine explained, "AIDS is an epidemic in our society and Magnum supports any initiative to protect and educate the society about it. The dancehall is a great place to be as it has such a myriad of people from a variety of social backgrounds. Magnum will continue to give patrons the energy when it's needed most, but is also committed to assisting with their social development."

The general age group of expected patrons at the event happens to coincide with the target group of the Unit which has been working to educate the populace about the advent of HIV in Jamaica. "That particular population is our target, 16 - 24 and 25 - 49 years", Ms Johnson said. "The groups are selected to have intervention to reduce the spread of HIV/STI's wherever we can reach them - that's what we do. If we can reach them in the dance hall or we can reach them at a football match or in church we try to reach them" she explained.

The Unit was approached by Taylor to participate in keeping with his continuing drive to employ the Magnum Extravaganza as a tool for community development and social intervention.  The Unit will have a booth where interested persons may speak to a team of trained persons come December 25. "We will be educating through one to one talks, condom demonstration and risk assessment. Risk assessment involves questions being are asked and based the responses persons are told whether or not they are at risk," Ms. Diana Johnson said." Based on the outcome of these lifestyle assessments persons will be provided assistance for further support such as counseling and HIV Testing. Condoms will also be distributed.

The Magnum GT Taylor Extravaganza scheduled for Thursday December 25 has not only survived the seasons cropping of major showcases, but will be making charitable donations to entities in the St. Elizabeth and neighboring communities.

Moved by the promoter's initiative, Magnum brand manager, Gary Dixon also got bit by the giving bug. "To show our solidarity with GT we are donating $10 from every Magnum sold at the event," he pledged. "As title sponsors we see this as a worthy cause from the promoter. This is GT's thing - he is giving back to his community and we support the effort wholeheartedly. We have been on board three years now and each year the event improves. This year we are pulling out all the stops to deliver an exceptional show with special attention paid to parking, promotions, bar and everything."

Magnum Christmas Extravaganza takes place on Thursday December 25, at Independence Park Black River, St Elizabeth. Tickets are available for $1500 with $2500 for VIP.