World AIDS Day & AIDS Awareness Week

The theme for World AIDS Day 2009 is 'Universal Access and Human Rights'. Global leaders have pledged to work towards universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care, recognizing these as fundamental human rights. Valuable progress has been made in increasing access to HIV/AIDS services, yet greater commitment is needed around the world if the goal of universal access is to be achieved. Millions of people continue to be infected with HIV every year. In low and middle-income countries, less than half of those in need of antiretroviral therapy are receiving it, and too many do not have access to adequate care services.

Here in Saskatoon as well we continue to confront quickly-rising HIV rates. Why not check out a few of this year's World AIDS Day events, which aim to illuminate HIV/AIDS in both its global and local contexts.

AIDS Awareness Week Condom Blitz
Friday, Nov. 27

Sponsored by AIDS Saskatoon, in conjunction with the Saskatoon Sexual Health Centre and the Saskatoon Health Region. Watch for our safer sex superheroes in 13 bars and nightclubs across the city. Volunteers will hand out free condoms from 9-11pm; head to Diva's later and make sure you tip the person who takes your coat -- AIDS Saskatoon volunteers will be working the coat check all weekend in exchange for donations.

Glimmers of Hope - World AIDS Day Party
Tuesday, Dec. 1, 1:30-3:30pm in the 601 Outreach Centre

Come help us celebrate personal success stories! Cake will be served at 2pm.

Where the Water Meets the Sky Screening
Tuesday, December 1, 5-7pm in Arts 241, U of S

AIDS Saskatoon short presentation on HIV/AIDS in Saskatoon, followed by a screening of the film Where the Water Meets the Sky. Camfed, an American development organization, sent 11 young people to film a documentary in East Africa highlighting specifically an orphanage in Rwanda while also visiting Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda; Where the Water Meets the Sky is the result. The presentation is at 5:15pm, followed by the film from 5:30 - 6:30pm. Hosted by Room For Improvement Youth Development Inc. See www.watermeetssky.com to view the trailer.

FIX: Story of an Addicted City
Thursday, December 3, 7-9pm Francis Morrison Library Theatre

Screening of the 2002 documentary by Nettie Wild. Follows drug users and harm reduction advocates as they battle for the opening of North America's first safe injection site in Vancouver's Lower East Side.

Caribbean Christmas
Sunday, December 6, 6pm-midnight, Odeon Event Centre

Join AIDS Saskatoon's Fundraising Committee for a Caribbean Christmas! This delectable dinner will include Caribbean chicken kabobs, green beans and Jamaican rice. There will be live music and drinks will be available for purchase. Plus, if you're still looking for that perfect Christmas gift for that special someone, check out the Silent Auction. We'll have all the fixins for a reggae good time! Tickets are $20, and available at AIDS Saskatoon's office (ask for Cathy), or from any AIDS Saskatoon Board Member.

Watch for AIDS Saskatoon all around the city -- including at Midtown Mall and the University of Saskatchewan.