Mark your calendars: Wednesday, February 9 is all about sex, love and condom relay races.

That's right — it's time for Love Day in Forwell Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"Love Day is focused on healthy relationships and sexual awareness," explained Veronica Barahona, VP of internal affairs and organizer of the event. "With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it's nice to have that for students."

"Planning it has been a lot of fun," she laughed. Barahona and her team have been working on Love Day for over two months.

Lots of organizations from around the city are coming to provide information, as well as fun and games, for students.

The Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (formerly the AIDS Committee of London) will also have an information booth set up. They'll be promoting safe sex, and handing out free condoms, lube and resources.

They'll also be participating in the activities. "It's going to be so much fun," exclaimed women's HIV/AIDS community development coordinator Bonnie Baynham. "It's really about raising awareness of programs and services that are available in the community. We want young people to know that we're here, that there is an increase in HIV in their population. We want young people to know that there are some pretty simple ways to keep themselves safe."

The Middlesex London Health Unit will also have a display and will participate in the activities as well. According to Erica Zarins, public health nurse with the MLHU, not enough people know about the wide variety of services offered at the heath unit, and she's hoping their presence at Love Day will change that.

"We offer medical treatment for anyone who understands what we are talking about," said Zarins. The MLHU offers STI testing and treatment, a free needle exchange, snorting kits, paraphernalia for injection drug use, birth control options, counseling services and referrals for women considering abortions, Pap smears and breast exams and more. The MLHU will also keep your identity completely confidential, no matter which services you use.

The London Abused Women's Centre will also have a display containing information about woman abuse and information for people seeking help. According to Carol Finlayson of the LAWC, part of the display will include the Power and Control Wheel, which is a visual of what happens in an abusive relationship. "It shows the tactics used by abusers to maintain control, including physical, emotional, financial and sexual abuse; intimidation; and placing blame," she said. "I think it's important to raise awareness of the signs of abuse in relationships."

The Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre, through St. Joseph's Health Care, will have two displays, focusing on sexual assault and domestic partner abuse. "We want to ensure staff, students and the community are aware of what domestic violence is," explained Caitlyn Cummins, a registered nurse with the centre. "We want to tell people they're not alone, and that there are many services in the community that they can access for help and support." The centre supports men, women and children, with no age or gender limitations.

Student Health Services and Changing Ways will also be participating in the Love Day festivities.

Head to Love Day on February 9 for tons of games, great prizes, and information about useful services across the city.

For more information, or to volunteer to help out, email Veronica Barahona:fsuinternal@fanshawec.ca