AIDS Calgary Supporters raise over $110,000 at the AIDS WALK FOR LIFE 2007.
October 2nd, 2007 – Calgary, AB
Who were you walking for? On Sunday, September 23rd at Eau Claire Market, over 600 walkers and 125 volunteers contributed to the fight against HIV/AIDS in the City of Calgary and participated in the 13th Annual AIDS Walk for Life. The money raised in our community stays in our community and goes directly to people living with HIV/AIDS in Calgary.
“Although there has been a lot of attention surrounding HIV/AIDS on an international level, it is important to remember those living with HIV/AIDS right here in our own community. I am overwhelmed with the amount of support we have received over the past several years from individuals in Calgary and honoured to be part of such a passionate and dedicated group of people. I think it is absolutely imperative to educate Calgarians about the realities of HIV/AIDS. Making healthy choices is important for everyone, as prevention is the only cure.” said Susan Cress, Executive Director of AIDS Calgary Awareness Association.
This year AIDS Calgary set a fundraising goal of $90,000 for the AIDS Walk for Life 2007 and we are excited to announce that we have surpassed that goal by $20,000 raising $110,000. Each year, AIDS Calgary continues to increase their fundraising targets for the AIDS Walk for Life and each year Calgarians continue to show their generosity and support for this worthy cause. Their support is greatly appreciated because it allows AIDS Calgary the financial support needed to maintain important programs and services in Calgary.
Currently there are 56,000 Canadians living with HIV/AIDS. Approximately 17,000 aren’t aware of their infection. There is no cure and no vaccination. Prevention is the only cure and AIDS Calgary’s mission is to ensure everyone in the Calgary area has access to their valuable services and various programs.
This year the following individuals and teams require special thanks for their support and generosity:
Top Walker – Bryon Callaghan
Top Youth – Meira Neubauer
Top Non-Profit Team – U of C Residence Renegades
Top Profit Team – MAC Cosmetics
Top Dog – Zeke and Gabe Kapler
Top Donation – Jason Auch


AIDS Calgary is Moving
October 2nd, 2007 – Calgary, AB
As of November 1st, 2007, AIDS Calgary’s new address will be: 110, 1603 10th Avenue SW, T2R 0B2. After developing and delivering programs and services for several years at our current location (200, 1509 Centre Street South), our lease has expired and the option to continue in the current space was not available. Therefore we will be moving to an exciting new location.
The new space is in a non-profit complex, which will provide a welcoming environment for both our agency and clients. AIDS Calgary will occupy second floor office space, in addition we will also occupy street level space. We will share the building with Aboriginal Resource Centre and Awo-Taan Family Centre.
By having street level access, we can enhance our services to those living with and at risk for HIV. The store front level will be referred to as the Calgary Cares Centre and will operate as a core program of AIDS Calgary, providing outreach and support services to the Calgary community. The exterior of the building will clearly display the name Calgary Cares Centre. This specific branding is designed to reduce barriers and allow those individuals and communities who may find the term AIDS stigmatizing, more comfortable access to AIDS Calgary’s services and programming. Securing a location with both street level access and the opportunity to create the Calgary Cares Centre have been target goals of AIDS Calgary.
Terry MacKenzie, Board Chair, AIDS Calgary says:
“I am proud to be part of their growth. The role of the new Calgary Cares Centre in this growth will be a small, but important, contribution to what AIDS Calgary Awareness Association stands for: the development of a compassionate society in which HIV/AIDS is understood as a psychosocial, economic, social, political and global phenomenon as well as a medical issue. Our clients are special people and deserve respect – I know they have mine.”
AIDS Calgary Awareness Association could not provide all of our current programming and services without the continued generous support from our friends. With the move and formation of the Calgary Cares Centre, comes a new challenge for support. Although the new space has many excellent features, including an industrial kitchen, there is still a lot of work to be done. Some essential renovations must be made to transform the location into a community-friendly space appropriate to the people we serve. AIDS Calgary is looking to the Calgary Community for their support in making this reality for our clients.
To donate please contact AIDS Calgary at (403) 508-2500 or donate online at http://www.aidscalgary.org


AIDS Walk for Life 2007: Celebrating Community Support
September 25th, 2007 - Edmonton, AB
On Sunday, September 23rd, HIV Edmonton was proud to host 500 participants for the 2007 AIDS Walk for Life.
In total, over $75,000 in funds were raised through the Walk in Edmonton. Proceeds will support community education for HIV/AIDS prevention, and programs and services to support people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.
“Funds are still coming in,” said Debra Jakubec, executive director of HIV Edmonton. “Each year great corporate sponsors, such as, MAC, The Gap and Starbucks match funds that their employee’s raise so we will not know the final number for about two weeks. Jakubec went on to state “this year was absolutely unbelievable with an increase in over 100 walkers and almost twice as much funds being raised.
HIV Edmonton thanks all participants, partners, volunteers, and donors, as well as this year’s local AIDS Walk for Life sponsors. Their participation was key to the success of the event.