For the scoop on all upcoming events,
click on our 'Events Calendar' above
Check our "Events Calendar" above for advance news of upcoming events, such as:
5K
Pyjama Walk, Feb 12
AID-related dementia workshop, Feb 29
Two-Day Harm Reduction Workshop, Mar 13 & 14
A Taste for Life Volunteer Training, Apr 19
A Taste for Life fund raiser,
Apr 25
5K Pyjama Walk, Sunday, February 12
We will be hosting our first ever pyjama walk on Sunday, February 12. Grab your family, co-worker or friends and your most fun PJs and meet us at Upper Canada at 8 a.m. for a hot cup of cocoa – 5 laps around the upper level (5km).
The walk starts at 9 a.m. There will be prizes for best dressed, most pledges by an individual as well as be a team.
We are looking for volunteers as well as walkers!
To register for the walk or for further information, please contact: Diana acyrvolunteer@gmail.com
905-953-0248
On February 29, Pal-Care in partnership with The AIDS Committee of York Region will be offering a free Workshop on HIV and AIDS‐Related Dementia. It will uncover some of the unique characteristics of caring for someone with AIDS‐related dementia along with valuable insights into how you can provide the best care for your client.We are offering two choices of timing - in the afternoon or evening. Please click here for the flyer with contact and additional information.
Events|Recent
World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil, December 1, 2011
The AIDS Committee of York Region held an Open House and a Candle Light Vigil in Richmond Hill to commemorate World AIDS Day. Volunteers, friends, and staff gathered to show solidarity, share an evening of remembrance, and commit to stem the tide of this pandemic.
Community partners included Sandgate Women’s Shelter, York Region Public Health, PRIDE York Region, Georgina Transit, Community Living York South, York University, and St. Mary’s Anglican Church joined the Vigil. The ceremony was followed by refreshments at Covernotes Café in Richmond Hill.
Here are some reasons why HIV is important:
Nine new HIV infections each day in Canada
Ontario has more than 26,490 people living with HIV/AIDS
According to research commissioned by the Public Health Agency of Canada and conducted by Ekos Research Associates Inc., “72% of Canadians indicated that they are supportive of the Government of Canada being involved in HIV/AIDS in Canada.”
Yet, Federal funding for HIV has been flat-lined since 2007 and, as of this writing, it is unknown whether federal funding will be cut even further next year
There are countless other reasons to support local and global HIV initiatives. We cannot stop now as there are too many valuable lives at stake. Join the movement, make a difference!
Events|Past
Presentation to Rotary Club, Richmond Hill
Amutha Samgam and Radha Bhardwaj facilitated a presentation at a Rotary Club (Richmond Hill) meeting, and received a donation from the group. The Rotary Club has been actively supporting the cause of HIV/AIDS in local and global communities.
Annual General Meeting 2011, September 19, 2011
Last year's Annual General Meeting on September 19 featured the screening of My Story, a Speakers’ Bureau Training Resource which showcases the lived experiences of people living with and impacted by HIV.
This film trailer was followed by a viewing of body maps developed by people impacted by HIV/AIDS, and showcasing emotional, physical, and spiritual journeys through art.
Finally, Ken Thurston gave a stimulating presentation on Collaboration, Wellness, and Building Community Resilience. Ken Thurston is the Director of Education, York Region District School Board.
See slideshow, below.
Second Annual
Walk n' Roll to the Water
exceeded fundraising goal, August 20, 2011
Thank you to Dave Williams for this video
The AIDS Committee of York Region's Walk N' Roll to the Water event, Saturday, August 20, was a great success. Ten walkers and five cyclists took to the road on a beautiful morning to walk and cycle a marathon 42km route to show their solidarity with those living with HIV/AIDS in our region.
The goal was to raise awareness about HIV and remind the public that the pandemic continues to impact all our communities across the region, to inform the public that the AIDS Committee of York Region is a resource for those who want to learn more about the issues or are in need of support, and to bring together several community partners to honour the lives of our community members touched by HIV.
The Walk N' Roll to the Water event exceeded the fundraising goal to support the Compassion Fund Program that supports the basic needs of people living in poverty and managing chronic illness. This program allows the agency to offer basic needs items such as food cards, clothing items for those at risk of homelessness, bus tickets, and nutritional supplements.
The York Regional Police provided key support throughout the event and Staff Sgt. Ricky Veerappan was present on behalf of the Chief of Police to hand out the medals to all participants. Local businesses including Vince's Market, Extreme Fitness (Richmond Hill), Keith Davis Engravers, Green Roots Health Food & Nutrition, Zehrs Supermarket, Boston Pizza, and MAC Cosmetics provided support for the event.
We thank the community for their strong support of our walk and congratulate the commitment of all the participants as well as the volunteers at the event.
ACYR shows gratitude at 2011
Volunteer Appreciation Night July 27
Great Music, Good Food and Great Fun!
I would like to thank everyone who came out to this year's Volunteer Appreciation Night on July 27. What a great night! This is the one time during the year we get to kick back and relax, enjoy each other's company and to say thank you all our volunteers for all their hard work. A special thank you to all the volunteers who helped make this evening happen!
Jacqui Locke
Coordinator of Events and Volunteer Program
905-953-0248 / 1-800-243-7717
E-mail: volunteeracyr@bellnet.ca
ACYR participates proudly
in PRIDE Events in York Region and Toronto
Right, Chief of Police Eric Jolliffe with Haran Vijayanathan and community members at the Community Safety Village in Stouffville.
Pride & Remembrance Run in Toronto on Saturday, July 2
All three photos taken at the Pride & Remembrance Run in Toronto. Haran Vijayanathan, Lisa Di Pietro, Radha Bhardwaj, Board Advisor Devan Nambiar, and supporters of the ACYR ran on behalf of our agency.
The Pride Parade in Toronto on Sunday, July 3rd
A Taste for Life held April 27 - it was
a tasty way
to
support a great cause!
A Taste for Life returned on April 27 - supporting a great cause was never so easy nor tasted so good. Participants made a reservation at any of the participating restaurants and 25 per cent of the evening bill was donated directly to the AIDS Committee of York Region. Participating restaurants were Alice Fazooli's Richmond Hill, Aqua Grill, Cedar Grill, The Cornerhouse, Covernotes Newmarket and Richmond Hill, Edward Street Bistro, Jonathan's Mediterranean, and Villa Risi. All proceeds raised during this event help support programs and services for families infected and affected with HIV/AIDS in York Region. For more photos of the event, please go to SNAP Newmarket, SNAP Aurora, and SNAP Stouffville/Uxbridge.
Revised
February 2, 2012
Emergency? Call The Community Crisis Response Service, 310-COPE
