Fellow Rotarians,
It that time of year where our district will be holding two events on the last Saturday of April to promote HIV/AIDS awareness across the globe. Due the vast geographical span of our district, Toronto has worked in tandem with Belleville to put on two walks so that all clubs have an opportunity to participate somewhere not too far from home. Read more for just some of the details.......
We encourage you to once again participate through support and attendance in 2019.
This year we our promoting an HIV/AIDS organization that supports efforts in Malawi Africa: Dignitas International. More than a decade after Dignitas started working in Malawi, we are inspired by the people and communities that have overcome the devastation of AIDS. With access to treatment and care, a positive diagnosis for HIV is no longer a death sentence. Since 2004, Dignitas has helped over a quarter of a million people access lifesaving care. To support Malawi’s bold efforts to build an AIDS-free generation, Dignitas works with frontline health workers to deliver treatment to HIV+ mothers in Malawi through Option B+, a groundbreaking national program to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT). This ‘treatment as prevention’ program offers all HIV+ pregnant and breastfeeding women immediate and lifelong HIV treatment regardless of their clinical stage or CD4 count. By suppressing an HIV+ mother’s viral load with antiretrovirals, Option B+ prevents transmission to her baby before and during birth and while breastfeeding. This ensures that babies are born HIV-free and that mothers remain healthy, so they can care for their children and lead productive lives.
The work they do can only really be understood from the mouths of their volunteers. We encourage you to come and join us on April 27th for a day of fellowship and education. Some of the charities who are attending to speak include Dignitas, OAHAS, PWA, Stephen Lewis Foundation, Latinos Positivos, and APAA. We recommend that you consider all these charities for your generous donations. Remember, 75% of what your club raises goes to a charity of your choice.
“There is a pivotal opportunity before us. In the coming years, we will work to transform lives by developing and implementing models of care and sustainable solutions to global health challenges. We will dare to imagine a world where all people have access to quality health care. We invite you to join us in achieving this vision.
“Everyone has the right to health. At Dignitas, we work to make this a reality for people who don’t have access to good health care.
For more information, please review our website at http://rotaryaidswalk.ca/
Thank you,
Nick Ryall
Chair, Toronto Rotary Pokerwalk for HIV/AIDS
Make a Difference
Please join us today as we continue to help the people affected by HIV/AIDS.
Proceeds will fund international and local initiatives by participating Rotary Clubs and NGO's to win the war on HIV/AIDS through education, prevention, treatment, support for orphans, surviving guardians and people living with AIDS. In addition, communities stricken by HIV/AIDS will be assisted in overcoming shortages of drinking water, food, or shelter – essential for recovery and a sustainable future.
Supported organizations have been carefully vetted for their effectiveness and stewardship of funds, and include active participation by Rotarians fighting HIV/AIDS.
Pledge your Support
Form a Team
Join a Team
Walk the Walk
Enjoy the Fun & Fellowship
Enjoy the Poker Showdown, Awards, and PARTY after the walk
How does it work?
Available in hard copy or download the PDF files:
Rotary HIV/AIDS Poker Walk - Pledge Sheet
Rotary HIV/AIDS Poker Walk - Team Sign-up Sheet
Poker Showdown & Awards
Begin and end the walk along the Boardwalk at the Leuty Pavilion (foot of Lee).
Enjoy fun, food, games, surprise guests, and of course the climactic Poker Showdown when the teams lay down their cards. This will be a day to remember. Will you be the big winner? Everyone wins!
I'm not a Rotarian - Can I Help?
You sure can!
Create a team, Join the walk, Become involved!
Fun location for 2019!
Toronto Beach and Boardwalk!
Proceeds will fund international and local initiatives by participating Rotary Clubs and NGOs to win the war on HIV/AIDS through education, prevention, treatment, support for orphans, surviving guardians and people living with AIDS. In addition, communities stricken by HIV/AIDS will be assisted in overcoming shortages of drinking water, food, or shelter – essential for recovery and a sustainable future.
Much is being done but global leaders are falling short on promises. We must maintain our fight to keep the focus on this disease.
Article from the Star from World AIDS Day
Supported organizations have been carefully vetted for their effectiveness and stewardship of funds, and include active participation by Rotarians fighting HIV/AIDS. In addition, cooperation between clubs resulted in matching Rotary grants of an additional $50,000 in 2011.
Further information can be obtained by emailing, toronto@rotaryaidswalk.ca.