Special Events, AS News

Hey there happy holiday friends -- We've got lots to share with you!

1. Christmas Hamper Update
2. Calendars for Sale!
3. Research!
a. Same-Sex Intimate Partner Abuse
b. Chronic Illness & Creativity
4. Holiday Hours

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.

CLICK THROUGH FOR A COMPLETE LISTING...

As the holidays approach, AIDS Saskatoon is busy putting together hampers bursting with the fixings for a holiday dinner, healthy non-perishable foods and other useful items. Christmas hampers are available only to people and families who are HIV+. We expect to distribute around 70 this year, up from 55 in 2008.

We'd love for you to be a part of this holiday tradition, and help make the season a little brighter for people in our community affected by HIV/AIDS. All donations are welcome, but the list below represents a few of the items which are most needed this year. Donations can be dropped off during office hours (9am-5pm Mon-Fri) by December 14.

A FUNDRAISER for AIDS SASKATOON

When: Sunday, December 6 -- doors at 6pm; runs until midnight
Where: Odeon Event Centre - 241 2nd Ave S
Cost: $20 per ticket

Need a place to have a Christmas party with your friends? Want to give back to your community while you do it?

Please 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 available at AIDS Saskatoon's office (ask for Cathy), or from any AIDS Saskatoon Board Member.

Fall Community Clean-up
Thursday, October 22, 2009
10am-noon

Join staff and people who access services at AIDS Saskatoon for a few hours of picking up garbage in the Caswell/Mayfair area. We'll give it a clean sweep (hopefully) before more snow falls.

We'll meet at 10am at the 601 Outreach Centre. Saskatoon Public Health's outreach program will provide orientation and give newbies the lowdown on safe needle handling.

After the Clean-up, join us for stew and bannock at noon at the 601 Centre.

In the event of snow, check our website for details.

Are you looking for a weekend full of drugs and sex?

Did I get your attention? AIDS Saskatoon and SHCS's joint volunteer program will be holding its annual volunteer orientation weekend really soon -- October 16-18, 2009. Spend a weekend with us learning about harm reduction, safer drug use and healthy sexuality. The weekend is geared toward new current and future volunteers at one of the two organizations, but everyone is welcome.

EDUCATION & PREVENTION COORDINATOR
Full-Time Position
(12-month Contract with possibility of extension)

The stakeholders of AIDS Saskatoon are looking for a progressive, dynamic and creative individual to fill the position of Education & Prevention Coordinator. This position oversees our community education and prevention programming.

Interested applicants please submit resume with references and cover letter by 4:00pm on Tuesday, October 13, 2009.

Full posting and job description are attached below.

A huge thank-you goes out to all the walkers, volunteers and donors who helped make the Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life a huge success again this year. You helped raise over $23,000 for HIV/AIDS programming in Saskatoon! Give yourselves a pat on the back!

Brian Bogdan and Joanne Horsley, 2009 top individual walkers.

Hey friends and supporters of AIDS Saskatoon:
We're thrilled to announce that this year's Red Ribbon Tag Day beat last year's total by $160, and raised: $3,279.70!

46 volunteers participated, including people of all ages and 11 volunteers from the UofS's Project Serve. Congratulations to Nancy and Al who raised the most money on their shift: $269.29.

The Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life is on September 20, 2009 -- only weeks away! The Walk is one of AIDS Saskatoon's biggest fundraisers each year, and it's our hope to raise $20,000 for AIDS Saskatoon and Walk partner Avenue Community Centre. The AIDS Walk is dependent on supporters like you. Walk packages are available at the front desk -- pick one up today!

Event Details & Online Registration