The Safe Haven Project announced the kick off of the Keep the Light Alive II Run/Bike tour. Led by founder and CEO Dave Butler, the 3-day journey to benefit The Safe Haven Project will begin in Albany, New York on Friday, June 29 and end on Sunday, July 1 in Boston Common. Along the way, Butler will be joined by numerous supporters including, Albany, New York Mayor Gerald D. Jennings; Pittsfield, Massachusetts Mayor James Ruberto; and employees and patrons from CVS Pharmacy.

For over 13 years Butler has led the efforts of the Safe Haven Project to support the mission of confronting the global need for knowledge, truth and compassion for people living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS by designing and delivering multi-faceted service forums and unique learning opportunities focused on prevention, awareness and community outreach.

“Today more than ever before, youth have access to resources and tools to educate and inform them on a variety of important topics that affect them, but the issue of HIV is far from resolved and more and more young people are infected with HIV,” said Butler. “The pandemic of HIV infection is far from resolved. Through this tour and our efforts at Safe Haven, we hope to continue its mission to educate and inform the youth that HIV is still very much a part of their world, moving the issue back to the forefront,” emphasized Butler.

According to UNAIDS and the World Health Organization, over half a million young people were infected with HIV in 2006, and every hour 40 children die as a result of the ravages of HIV and its end result, AIDS.

“Today is a very important day for The Safe Haven Project, and for the countless children we are able to reach by our efforts,” said Butler, “We are so pleased by the support we have received from the local communities, businesses and residents who through their support are helping to keep the light alive. This tour provides Safe Haven with a ‘fresh start’ to a new season of exciting programs and activities which will help to provide dignity and save lives.”

The bike/run is the second effort by Butler, who in 1998 biked from the West Coast of the U.S. to Boston.