Dec 1. World AIDS Day

Community Carnation Memorial -                                              

Join us at The 519, December 1, 5:45pm 

In the early days of PWA, staff sent floral arrangements to the funerals of clients who died. As more and more people continued to die, including staff and volunteers, PWA could no longer afford to send arrangements and instead sent one black rose with a card saying "We understand".

This powerful symbol and message inspired the staff and Board of PWA to build on this history and create a new tradition for World AIDS Day to remember the forgotten and honor the courage of so many infected and affected in the AIDS community. Since World AIDS Day 2007, PWA staff, volunteers and clients have brought a black rose and red carnations to the AIDS Memorial at Cawthra Park.

In 2008, the AIDS Vigil Committee approached PWA to ask about partnering together to make this a larger community event thus beginning the current annual Community Carnation Memorial where community members share personal stories to reconfirm the powerful message "We understand".

Green Party Leader Biking to Montreal To Support AIDS Charity

Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner is raising funds for PWA (People With AIDS) Toronto by taking part in the 12th Annual Bike Rally. The ride takes these fearless fundraisers from Toronto to Montreal. I wish you well Mike. Please join me in supporting Mike by making a donation today.

This is timely considering the International AIDS Conference which took place in Vienna this year ended today, and of course once again our esteemed Prime Minister, Stephen Harper made the news, or didn't when he and his Health Minister were publicly (and rightly so) reprimanded by Dr. Julio Montaner, the Canadian head of the International AIDS Society.

From CBC.CA 

 In his closing address to the International AIDS Conference in Vienna on Friday, conference chief Dr. Julio Montaner slammed Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq.
"I would also like to have a special word of recognition to the prime minister of Canada, Mr. Stephen Harper … for demonstrating, yet again, their incredible ability to take credit where none is due."
Montaner, one of Canada's most prominent AIDS researchers, said the federal government is "punching well below its weight" in funding international efforts to fight the disease and isn't doing enough to protect Canadians from its spread.  Read the full story here.

Friends for Life Bike Rally

On July 26, 2009, 400 courageous individuals will embark on an incredible journey. For six days, our riders will cycle over 600km from Toronto to Montreal with the support of a fabulous crew, and in doing so will raise thousands of dollars for men, women and children living with HIV and AIDS. The experience promises to have a profound impact on the lives of each and every participant. Visit the website.

Tighty Whitey Car Wash Photos

On Friday I posted about the Tighty Whitey car wash PWA fundraiser which took place this afternoon and it is still on until four p.m. If you have a car bring it down to the lane way between Zelda's and Cafe California on Church St. and get it washed by the guys and gals in their undies.

Tighty Whitey Car Wash

Sun. July 19th between Zelda’s and Café California on Church St. just south of Wellesley . Even if you don’t have a car that needs washing you have to come see this Mr. Steamworks in association with Mr. Leatherman Toronto fundraiser for PWA. This is the 3rd year for the Tighty Whitey Car Wash in support of Toronto PWA foundation.

330 CYCLISTS BEGIN TORONTO TO MONTREAL JOURNEY

Toronto – On July 27, 2008 , hundreds of cyclists will stream through the streets of Toronto , beginning their annual six-day trek to Montreal . This year, the Friends For Life Bike Rally honours its tenth anniversary of supporting the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA) and expects to raise $1 million.

“As long as there’s a reason, there’s a ride,” said Todd Ross, co-chair of the event. “Ten years after the rally was born, people living with HIV/AIDS in our community still need support. As long as they do, we will keep riding.”

Sunday, July 27, 2008 - Queen’s Park, Toronto

8:00 a.m. Group Photographs
8:30 a.m. Speeches - Minister of Health Promotion Margaret Best and Toronto City Councillor Adrian Heaps
8:45 a.m. Group Stretching
9:00 a.m. Departure

The ride departs north to Wellesley Street, south on Yonge Street and east on Front Street . Detailed route maps are available.

“There’s an undeniable energy that comes from hundreds of cyclists and volunteers working towards a common cause,” said Stefanie McQuaid, event rally co-chair. “Their collective efforts have allowed PWA to strengthen and expand its services to the men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS in Toronto .”

Visit http://www.bikerally.org/ for backgrounders and more information. Spokespeople are available to talk about the event, as well as broader HIV/AIDS issues in Ontario .

About the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation

The Toronto People With AIDS Foundation exists to promote the health and well-being of all people living with HIV/AIDS by providing accessible, direct, and pr act ical support services. It is Canada ’s largest direct support service agency for people living with HIV/AIDS. For more information, please visit: http://www.pwatoronto.org/