While he himself has been struggling to fight AIDS for past two decades or more, it seems that the man with a heart of gold does not want others to experience the worsening condition.

Alan Merritt from the city of Saint John has been aiming to collect at least $26,000 for patients of HIV.

Back to 26 years, when he was diagnosed with the disease, treatments were in their initial stages.  Also, patients used to remain in melancholy as they had no hope of improving.

But, now with enhancements in treatment strategies and care approaches, there is hope that patients could be made to recuperate.  Thus, funds are being collected to help patients in accessing AIDS treatment.

The man is seeking to reach his goal by September 22.  Since, the same would mark the yearly Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life.  The same is to go at Rockwood Park in Saint John.

Floral workshops are being planned to be offered by the man, who is a florist only by trade, the report found.  He said that the money could easily be raised as a community and could be donated to a well-deserved firm.

"We want to reach out beyond the (Church Street) community.  This is for a cause that affects everybody, so the events planned are very inclusive", stated Leanne Minichillo, a spokesperson for the Scotiabank Walk, another event.