In Austria, excellent work is being done by organisations and the public sector. We are now also taking this into account.вЂќ However, there are still great challenges out there вЂ“ especially in Africa: вЂњWith the net profit of the 26th Life Ball, we will devote our energy to those regions where the problem is still acute and where we can save lives. Keszler: вЂњAwareness is simply different nowadays. The paradox of this success is that the number of allies for AIDS charity projects is decreasing both at home and abroad.вЂќДЄs a consequence of this, it has recently become increasingly difficult to secure sponsors and donors for the ball. AIDS has changed from a death sentence to being a chronic disease. We have achieved a lot in the fight against AIDS. Keszler: вЂњThe underlying conditions and circumstances have changed greatly over the last few years. Now, more than 26 years later, it is time to break new ground. You were an untiring ambassador for an open and tolerant Vienna, and the Life Ball is a globally visible beacon of this. Directly addressing the mayor, who died in 2008, Keszler said: вЂњIt was your strength and imagination that gave us the courage to tackle this project. Recalling the beginnings of the Life Ball, Keszler above all thanks the City of Vienna and the then Mayor of Vienna, Helmut Zilk. вЂњWe will continue to take a passionate stand against stigma and exclusion and fly the flag.вЂќ After 26 years, the Life BallвЂ™s balance sheet shows almost в‚¬30 million in donations for national and international AIDS charity projects. According to Keszler, the LIFE+ association, which was responsible for arranging the ball each year, will continue its work.

It is now time to bring this project to a fitting conclusion,вЂќ says Life Ball founder and organiser Gery Keszler. We achieved more than we ever dared hope. Under the slogan вЂњUnited in DiversityвЂќ (вЂњVereint in VielfaltвЂќ), Gery Keszler is bringing the annual event to a conclusion with the 26th Life Ball on : вЂњThey were incredible, fantastic and intense years. Gery Keszler creates powerful end with 26th Life Ball After more than 26 years, the AIDS charity event will be held for the last time this year

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