World AIDS Day - December 1
SHINE THE LIGHT
Support PWA as we shine the light of awareness and understanding on HIV/AIDS. We provide a safe space for people living with HIV/AIDS to share their stories, connect with peers, get direct, practical support and know that PWA will carry their experiences and complex needs to policy makers, researchers, law makers and the larger community.
World AIDS Day, observed each year is dedicated to raising awareness and PWA contributes to this through various activities including:
- Honouring and remembering those living with HIV/AIDS and those who have died by co-leading the Community Carnation Memorial. For more information on this event visit the 519 website.
- Providing HIV positive volunteers from PWA's Speakers Bureau to share personal stories aimed at increasing awareness and breaking down myths
- Participating in outreach activities across the City
- Publishing research report on human rights violations of people living with HIV/AIDS in Canada
World AIDS Day History
On December 1st, 1988, the World Health Organization's Global Programme on AIDS (now known as UNAIDS) created and observed the first World AIDS Day. The purpose of the day was to raise global awareness of the AIDS pandemic among governments, policy makers and the general public. Each year, the UNAIDS, and now the World AIDS Campaign, select a global theme for the event to spotlight the impact of HIV/AIDS on specific communities. Locally, across the world, community groups gather on this day to create their own themes and traditions to raise awareness and commemorate those lost to AIDS.
The Red Ribbon has become the unifying symbol on World AIDS Day highlighting the global and local solidarity amongst those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.
Make A Positive Difference this World AIDS Day for people living with HIV/AIDS in Toronto by making an in honour or tribute donation today. YES I want to make a donation!
Community Carnation Memorial
In 2007, the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA), as part of its 20th anniversary commemorations, rediscovered the history of the PWA Black Rose.
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".
Join us Dec 1, 5:45pm at The 519 for refreshments and the Community Carnation Memorial. This community event honours and remembers those we have lost to AIDS and supports those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, both locally and globally. Prior to the Carnation Memorial, Black CAP will host a Community Fair beginning at 3PM. This community event is led by the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation (PWA), the AIDS Candlelight Vigil Committee, Loft Community Services - McEwan Housing and Support Services and The 519 Church Street Community Centre.
Help shine the light of awareness on HIV/AIDS by making a World AIDS Day secure online donation today!
