In order to promote AIDS prevention and control among the public and to encourage the public to show their support and concern for people infected with AIDS, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) invited motorcycle riders in northern, central, southern and eastern Taiwan to form “AIDS Prevention Troops” and participate in two planned pledge ceremonies. The event was held at the Dong Yang Square in Hualien County and Shihdai Boulevard Square of Dream Mall in Kaohsiung City on November 15 and 16, 2008. All the motorcycles were adorned with red ribbons that symbolize AIDS prevention and control. A massive release of balloons with red ribbons attached to them was also organized at the ceremony.

It was an eye-catching scene when the motorcyclists drove along the streets in show of solidarity for their support for people with AIDS. The motorcycle rally ended up at the square, where participants vowed to support the AIDS prevention and control policy implemented by the government and urged the public to show concern for people with AIDS.

For this event, Taiwan CDC has designed “postcards of love” on which participants could write down their blessings and wishes for AIDS patients—many of whom suffer from discrimination. The motorcyclists brought the “postcards of love” written by citizens in northern and central Taiwan, and carried these warm blessings to all AIDS victims. After the event, these “postcards of love” will be delivered to the domestic AIDS support organizations, and then to AIDS patients as an expression of society’s concern.

In addition, Taiwan CDC has also invited the public to voice their pronouncements of love for AIDS patients. Each participant expressing words of encouragement and support for AIDS victims received a “Notebook of Love: Power of Care and Hug" drawn by Wan-wan, a famous children’s book illustrator.

To wrap up the campaign, all the motorcycle riders participating as the members of “AIDS Prevention Troops” will gather at the National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall on November 30, 2008, which is the eve of the World AIDS Day, to voice for the AIDS prevention campaign and show support for all people with AIDS.