Great-Great-Grandmother Celebrates Fundraising Milestone at AIDS Walk
BRATTLEBORO, VT — Shirley Squires, a remarkable 94-year-old from Guilford, was honored at this year’s AIDS Project of Southern Vermont charity walk, which has now been renamed the Ron and Shirley Squires AIDS Walk. Despite the event being canceled due to rain, Squires showcased her dedication by raising an impressive $22,291, bringing her lifetime fundraising total to $500,298.
Joined by four generations of family, including her two-week-old great-great-granddaughter, Squires received heartfelt recognition, including a letter from U.S. Rep. Becca Balint commending her extraordinary commitment to the cause.
Squires first participated in the AIDS walk in 1993 to honor her late son, Ronald Squires, the first Vermont lawmaker to publicly identify as gay. Following his passing from AIDS in January 1993, she transformed her grief into action, steadfastly supporting the cause for three decades. Family members, including her daughter Diana, praised her resilience and dedication to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS.
Since she began walking, Shirley has never missed a year of fundraising, even overcoming a broken shoulder last winter while preparing 500 solicitation letters. This year’s contributions help support approximately 750 Vermonters living with HIV, with services provided by local organizations including the Brattleboro-based AIDS Project.
To celebrate her milestone, the AIDS Project has adjusted the name of their annual fundraising event to honor both her and her son. As Squires eagerly anticipates her 95th birthday in August, she affirmed her commitment to the cause: "I will keep doing this until I’m not here anymore." Squires’ enduring legacy continues to inspire generations in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
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