The folks at Bruce House are celebrating the most successful Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life in the event's 20 year history. By any measure — attendance, number of pledges, total donations — the results look good.

Volunteers gathered in front of city hall Sep 19 before setting out on the march. There were about 1,100 people on hand to cheer for the 350 registered walkers. That compares favourably to the 900 attendees and 265 walkers from a year before. Annual revenues from the walk — which are split between seven local AIDS organizations — typically tip the scales at about $100,000. Preliminary estimates for this year peg the total at $126,000.

The increase isn't easy to explain, says Bruce House director Jay Koornstra. Everyone just gave a little more, he said.

The $30,000 raised by the Ruby Ribbon Club paid for all the administrative costs of the walk, all other donations from  walkers and supporters  went directly to the seven social service organizations. The charities included Bruce House, AIDS Committee of Ottawa, Pink Triangle Services, Planned Parenthood of Ottawa, Snowy Owl Aids Foundation, Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health and the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa.

Donations are still being accepted at their website — http://www.aidswalkottawa.ca/donate.htm or contact walkforlife@brucehouse.org