Our annual Volunteer Appreciation Night was held on July 29. This year's theme was Concert in the Park. Aurora Town Park was filled with the music of Fresh Horses, A Tribute to Garth Brooks. The evening started with a BBQ at 6 p.m. and a concert at 7 p.m.
York Pride Fest - June 7 to June 14, 2009
ACYR and our volunteers were at the Pride Picnic & BBQ on Sunday, June 14. We had a booth with information to share about our organization. We were also actively involved with the Youth Event on Friday, June 12.
Client and Volunteer Retreat - May 15 to 17, 2009
Our client and volunteer retreat in Bancroft featured holistic food planned by our nutritionist Lisa Darchiville, art therapy sessions, and outdoor team building activities.
The participants also enjoyed horseback riding, hiking, henna art, canoeing, bonfires, and an Indian-themed night.
It was wonderful for the group to enjoy these peaceful woods, make meals, learn and play together.
Staff Retreat - May 13, 2009
The ACYR staff retreat was held on the beautiful property of the Southdown Institute on the outskirts of Aurora. The agenda focused on workplace communication with facilitator Greg Wood in the morning and a discussion facilitated by Lisa Darchiville on nutrition in the afternoon.
A Taste for Life - April 29, 2009
A Taste For Life 2009 on April 29, 2009, was a great success! Great restaurants and wonderful local talent made it a night to remember. A special thanks to our corporate sponsors and everyone who gave so generously to our Silent Auction. Thanks to all our hosts, dedicated volunteers and everyone who gathered their friends to dine!
ACYR Annual General Meeting - November 3, 2008
The AGM took place on November 3, 2008. Our guest speaker for the evening was Beth Jordan, Adobe Consulting Services. The topic was Diversity & HIV/AIDS Service Provision. In addition, recognition awards were given out to community partners Snap Aurora, Keswick High School and Stouffville Secondary High School. Outgoing board members were honoured for their dedication and commitment.
Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life - September 27, 2008
Everyone from little ones to "Yorkie", the mascot, provided support to the Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life at Fairy Lake in Newmarket.
A Taste for Life fundraiser: a success on April 23, 2008
Since 1993, we have been working to improve the quality of life in York Region by raising awareness through community education, and by providing support and access to dignified care for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. All our services are free of charge, confidential and anonymous.
A Taste For Life 2008 was held on Wednesday, April 23, 2008. Congratulations to the community for making A Taste for Life such a tremendous success this year! Through this event we have been able to raise awareness about the issue of HIV/AIDS locally and broaden our community partnerships. With your leadership, we now have additional resources to provide much needed programs. You have given voice to those who are silenced in our neighborhoods and, as we reflect on the event, we would like to salute you for your commitment. The photos above were taken at the Willow Springs Winery, and some of the other participating restaurants: The Cedar Grill, Oregano North Ristorante, and Jonathan’s Mediterranean & More. More than 300 people attended the event at the four locations.
Aurora High students raise
awareness of HIV/AIDS and funds!
In 2007, the Aurora High School Business Leadership Class exemplified the dynamism of youth through a fundraising and awareness campaign about HIV/AIDS. With the support of their teacher Kristine Toms, these young people joined together as teams and came up with creative ways to enhance the understanding of HIV/AIDS at their school. Each team developed and created pod casts with interviews and key messages about HIV/AIDS. They held a bake sale, raffled off a ginger bread house and gift baskets, and sold candy-grams. Through this student-driven initiative, these young people learned more about the local challenges of HIV/AIDS and educated their entire community. They also raised over $1,000 for ACYR! Bravo to Aurora High School for inspiring us to positive action!
AIDS Walk For Life - Saturday, September 29, 2007
Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression Training in August 2007
Radha Bhardwaj, Jacqui Locke, and Alexandra Dean received anti-racism/anti-oppression
training from Nora Angeles in August 2007.
'In My Shoes' screening held July 11, 2007
ACYR has worked in partnership with the Unionville Presbyterian Church to produce a powerful documentary on HIV/AIDS. 'In My Shoes' is an educational documentary that features the powerful stories of people living with HIV/AIDS in our region. The photograph shows members of the ACYR team receiving the documentary at a ceremony held at the church. ACYR screened the documentary on July 11, 2007.
Past Media Coverage
World AIDS Day related article in the Vaughan Citizen
The Vaughan Citizen had an excellent front page article about a family's experience dealing with HIV. This article was published in the week leading up to World AIDS Day on December 1. You can read it at: www.yorkregion.com/News/Vaughan/article/85181.
Thanks to Snap Aurora!
by Dick Illingworth Bouquets and Brickbats
The Auroran, Week of May 22, 2007
Government Funding for YRAC
Resource Archives
Managing side effects, and HIV
treatment and anti-retroviral medication
Devan Nambiar, an educator from the Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE), presented the following to ACYR staff in March 2008. They are an excellent resource for all.
Revised
December 22, 2011
Emergency? Call The Community Crisis Response Service, 310-COPE
