Volume 3, Issue 2, Summer 2000
InStride
The Quarterly Newsletter of AIDS Calgary
Partnerships Abroad:
Sharing Our Expertise
Kevin Midbo, Executive Director
[email protected]
AIDS Calgary is Going
International!
We have received a one-year grant
jointly sponsored by the Canadian International Development Agency and the Canadian
Society for International Health. This grant will allow us to form a twinning partnership
with the Child Foundation of India, an AIDS service organization located in the city of
Visakhapatnam. Both organizations will share their expertise, experience, resources and
learn new approaches for programming.
AIDS Calgary staff and board members
are very excited about the opportunity to contribute our skills, knowledge, and experience
to assist a developing country in the global effort against HIV/AIDS. As well, we expect
to learn a great deal from the Child Foundation of India, as they have been providing
front-line HIV/AIDS prevention programs since 1985. The project will include training
exchanges (or internships) for staff of both organizations. AIDS Calgary will also assist
the Child Foundation of India to establish a new program and/or strengthen an existing
one(s).
Cindy Fischer, a graduate Social
Work student and former staff member, will be visiting the Child Foundation of India from
July to October to complete her practicum in International Social Work. Besides learning
about international social work practices, Cindy will be representing AIDS Calgary and
helping to assess the opportunities for mutual learning and skills-building that would
benefit both organizations.
If you have any questions about this
new project,
please call San at 508-2500.

Program Updates
Information
& Training
Amy Alexander, Team Leader
[email protected]
Welcome Erin!
We are incredibly fortunate to have Erin Rutherford with us for the summer months. As an
intern, Erin will be responsible for researching and writing Briefing Documents and Fact
Sheets. But that is not all! Erin will be working with Eileen to get the Resource Centre
up and running. Erin is currently a graduate student in the Department of Community Health
Sciences at the University of Calgary. She comes to us with a myriad of research
experience and has worked as a Research Assistant for The National Health Reform Working
Group, The Calgary Domestic Violence Committee and Alexandra Community Health Centre.
Community Training
Workshops for the Winter Training for 2000 are finished. We had a
great session and offered four workshops to 40 participants. The feedback was very
rewarding, and has given us good ideas for next years training. The new training
brochure is still in the development stage; however, we know we will be offering workshops
around the themes of HIV and the Aboriginal Population, HIV and Severe Mental Illness,
Discrimination and Stigma in the Workplace, HIV in the Workplace, and HIV and the
Healthcare Professional. As before, the new workshops will be offered twice during the
fall and winter.
As well as presenting workshops, we
gave basic HIV/AIDS in-services to over 150 healthcare professionals at staff development
sessions. These in-services were well received and participants indicated they would like
to attend "Training for 2001" workshops in the fall.
Speakers Network is also winding
down for the season as the school semester finishes. Our volunteers have been very
dedicated throughout the school year many have even given speaks weekly. We
frequently had more requests than we could handle this year and were looking for more HIV+
people who would like to tell their story in city schools, colleges, and the University of
Calgary. If anybody is interested, we would love for you to contact Jo Wood at 508-2500.
New Information:
Complementary Therapies
There is a new book put out by CATIE titled "A Practical Guide to
Complementary Therapies For People Living with HIV." The book investigates and
breaks-down different medical traditions systems such as Ayurvedic medicine, Homeopathy,
North American Aboriginal Healing Traditions, Naturopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine
and Acupuncture. The book also looks at wellness strategies, unconventional therapies, how
to conduct your own research and choose a complementary therapist.
This guide is practical and incredibly resourceful!

Community
Outreach
Laurie Fownes, Team Leader
[email protected]
Coming and Going
We want to commend Clay Aragon, a previous YouthXChange worker, who dedicated two
years working with the Community Outreach team. Clay completed his internship contract in
April, 2000. Clays ability to reach-out to youth was exceptional and he was a
dynamic individual and friend to all those who had the opportunity to work with him. We
wish him the best of luck with his new endeavours!
Wed like to officially welcome
Jen Olson to Community Outreach! Jen is a full-time outreach worker who works primarily
with the YouthXChange program. Jens background in social work and her experience in
working with youth are a great addition to the agency.
There are also a couple of other new
faces in Community Outreach! Agnieszka "Nishy" Wolska and Ray Harrison have both
joined the YouthXChange team as interns and we are fortunate to have their great new ideas
and skills to mobilize the team in new directions over the next several months.
YouthXChange Zine
Community Outreach is adapting to meet the emerging needs of Calgarys
communities. The focus this summer is on reaching more youth who are street-involved and
at high risk of HIV infection. We are currently creating a youth "Zine", a
collection of information, poetry, art, and writing created for and by youth. The first
edition of the Zine is set to be on the streets in mid-August, with three additional
publications planned for this fiscal year.
Theatre on the Streets
Another exciting project set to begin this summer is the Youth Theatre Project.
AIDS Calgary staff, volunteers and street-involved youth will create and deliver
street-level education around HIV prevention, empowerment of youth, and empowerment about
safer sexual behaviours. YouthXChange staff and volunteers, combined with other interested
groups, will take the theatre project to areas in Calgary where youth frequent.
Mens Project
Collin Smith has been working diligently at taking the Mens Project in new
directions. A mens support group has begun to meet weekly on Wednesday evening from
7 pm - 9 pm at Money Pennies. This group provides a safe environment for peer discussion
on issues related to male sexuality, health, relationships, etc. Volunteers have
contributed a great deal of energy and skill to the project and their contributions have
been greatly appreciated.
Immigrant Outreach
The Immigrant Project has expanded and reached a greater number of people over
the past couple of months with its focus on educating men, women and international
students from other nations. The project has also developed workshops targeted to
professionals in the immigration field to break down barriers and increase awareness of
the cultural components of HIV/AIDS.

Support
Garth Goertz, Team Leader
[email protected]
With Gratitude...
Roger Graham completed his contract as a support worker with AIDS Calgary at the
end of March. Wed like to acknowledge the years of dedication that Roger Graham gave
to Support Services in his various roles. We wish him well in all his future endeavours.
Welcome!
Support has seen some job position changes and some new faces join our team in
the past few months. Let me catch you up to speed! Our part-time support position has been
replaced by a full-time position that encompasses outreach support as well. This new
position has been filled by Jennifer Hebert. For those of you who know Jen, you will be
aware of her many accomplishments and involvements in the HIV/AIDS movement. If you were
wondering about a specific regional, provincial or national consortium around
HIV/AIDS
chances are Jen has been on it! Jen recently completed her diploma in Social
Work from Mount Royal College. We welcome her and her tenacity to the Support Team.
We also welcome Mike Code, our
Support Intern, who will be with the Support Team for the duration of the summer. Human
Resources Development Canada funds this position through its Summer Placement Program.
Mike is currently enrolled in the Career Development Certificate Program at the University
of Calgary. He brings with him knowledge in career counselling and related areas. Mike
joins Jen in creating a comprehensive outreach component to the Support Team. Welcome
Mike!
Outreach Initiatives
As HIV infection increases among injection drug users and transient populations,
Support Services has expanded its outreach initiatives to reach these populations.
Currently, support maintains a weekly presence both at The Calgary Drop-In Centre and
Alpha House which allows us to connect with HIV+ individuals and those at high risk of
infection who may not otherwise seek our services. Both Jen and Mike provide support and
education in health management issues; it is a great way to link individuals with needed
resources and to provide them with information about HIV and HIV prevention. Support
continues to expand the scope of this project.
Hep C/HIV Support Group
Support also continues to be involved in partnering initiatives. One such
initiative is a support group for individuals living with Hep C, HIV or both. AIDS Calgary
Support Services works in conjunction with Safeworks to provide facilitation for this
group. The group meets on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. at the 8th & 8th Health Clinic.
Community Garden
If you cant stand the heat, get out of the kitchen
and go to the
garden! The Community Kitchen is expanding its efforts for the summer months. A Community
Garden has been established in Victoria Park, across from Victoria Park Community Centre
at 1101 - 6 Street S.E. Participants and volunteers of the Community Kitchen will be busy
this summer maintaining the garden as well as reaping the benefits of their labours.
Please contact Athena Dorey at 508.2500 ext. 316 if you are interested in participating in
this worthwhile and exciting project.

InStride
Notes
In Loving Memory...
Terry Fraser
September 27, 2024 - April 4, 2024
Terry Fraser will be dearly missed
by the staff, volunteers and clients of AIDS Calgary. Over the past 8 years Terry had
selflessly given countless hours to the AIDS Movement, whether by serving on the Board of
Directors or as a driving force in Positive Action. We not only recognize his commitment
and dedication, but acknowledge the loss of a close friend.
"Ch, Ch, Ch, Ch,
Changes
"
AIDS Calgary would like to say good bye to Stephen Entwisle who has worked with
the agency as the Communications Coordinator for the last year. Stephen is moving onto a
new job as a writer for an internet security firm. Stephens energy, doggedness,
professionalism and enthusiasm will all be missed. We wish him luck in his future
ventures!
The Volunteer Program Coordinator
position is one that always seems in a state of flux lately and now is no different. Cindy
Fischer took over the job from Jill Russell for the spring and acted as the Interim
Volunteer Program Coordinator until the position was permanently filled by Katherine
Morton, effective Wednesday June 14th.
Katherine brings with her a wide
range of experience, including counselling, teaching, marketing, and professional writing.
Her own volunteer experience is diverse she has volunteered for the Distress
Centre, the Association of Japan Exchange and Teaching, and most recently, has spent two
years investing a great deal of time and effort toward the success of our Calgary Cares
fund-raising events! Additionally, the Volunteer Program Coordinator position has moved
from the Information and Training Team to the Operations Team; the coordinator will now
report directly to the Executive Director. We look forward to working with Katherine, and
expect wonderful things for the volunteer program at AIDS Calgary!
Don't Miss Our AGM
... and the unveiling of our new Mission Statement. AIDS Calgarys Annual
General Meeting will be held on the evening of Monday, September 11th at McDougall Center.
Mark your calendar and watch for your invitation in the mail!

Volunteer
Info
Katherine Morton Volunteer Program
Coordinator
[email protected]
The AIDS Calgary office is always
bustling with volunteers. With a smile and a helpful hand, they are working at Reception,
taking care of administrative tasks, and dedicated to various programs. It is nice to have
these wonderful people around and to know that so many care about giving their time and
energy to AIDS Calgary and the people we serve. We could not exist without our volunteers.
Thanks to those of you who attended our Volunteer Appreciation, which was held on April
10th, we hope you enjoyed it!
Please feel free to drop by the
office anytime and say hello! I would love to meet you and chat with you about the
Volunteer Program. A new feature that will be added to the newsletter is "Question
Period." In this space, volunteers are given the opportunity to ask questions
pertaining to any topic regarding the agency, programs, opportunities, education,
awareness, etc. We would love to hear your questions, suggestions, and comments so email,
fax, write, or phone your questions in to us; we will publish them in the newsletter.
TB Screening
Just a reminder that all staff and volunteers of AIDS Calgary are required to
have annual TB screening done. Lets protect those living with HIV/AIDS by getting
screened! If you need information regarding TB and where you can be tested, please call
AIDS Calgary at 508-2500.
Volunteer Opportunities
For all Volunteer Opportunities please
phone Katherine Morton at (403) 508-2500
or email her at [email protected]
As always, AIDS Calgarys need
for volunteers is great, plus volunteering is fun and rewarding!
YouthXChange is out
on the streets in full force offering outreach services and support for street-involved
youth and can always use extra support.
Mens Project
is currently looking for volunteers. This project is operated in partnership with the Gay
and Lesbian Community Service Association and targets men who have sex with men in
Calgary. The focus of the outreach is to provide information on HIV and the tools to
prevent transmission of the virus. Much of the outreach is conducted in parks and also in
cooperation with local gay businesses to develop and deliver HIV prevention messages.
AIDS Calgary Elbow River Inn
Casino planning is well underway and we need volunteers for both day and night
shifts on September 17th and 18th. If youre interested in working with $$$ and
gambling chips please contact us.
AIDS Walk 2000 is
on the run! Are you participating? Are you interested in volunteering? Great progress is
being made on this years upcoming AIDS Walk. The AIDS Walk Committee is working
furiously on many different initiatives. Look for a greater push this year at many
community events with volunteers handing out pledge forms, handbills and information. The
walk will take place on September 24th at Eau Claire Plaza. AIDS Calgary volunteers can
look forward to a special AIDS Calgary Volunteer Recruitment Prize for the volunteer who
can bring out the most new walkers - volunteers will receive more information about this
great contest in the mail. Its never too early to start recruiting walkers or
gathering together a team!
Calgary Cares 2001
is AIDS Calgarys premier fundraiser, and has become one of Calgarys most
exciting and anticipated social events of the year. Held in March, it is a fashion gala
that features the design talent of premier designers, Calgary Cares is a party not to be
missed. Refreshments and food are provided by some of Calgarys finest restaurants
and beverage companies. All proceeds from this event remain in Calgary to help AIDS
Calgary offer HIV/AIDS support services and prevention education. Executive Committee
positions are currently being filled. The following Chairperson positions are available:
Tickets Sponsorship Food & Beverage Volunteers Fundraising:
Balloon Burst Fundraising: Silent Auction
If you are interested in
volunteering for Calgary Cares but cannot commit as an Executive Committee member, we
still need you! Whether you can volunteer in terms of planning or simply on the day of the
event, your help is always appreciated.
Volunteer Training
The Volunteer Program has been busy
in the last few months as new volunteers have been accepted and are engaging in training.
The Fall 2000 Core Training Workshop schedule is as follows. These workshops are open to
everyone.
Volunteer Orientation and
Introduction to AIDS Calgary
Tuesday, September 12, 2024 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Tuesday, November 7, 2024 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Challenging Stereotypes
Thursday, September 14, 2024 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Thursday, November 9, 2024 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Safer Sex & HIV/AIDS
Tuesday, September 19, 2024 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Tuesday, November 14, 2024 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Living with HIV/AIDS
Thursday, September 21, 2024 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Thursday, November 16, 2024 6:00pm - 9:00pm
To register for any of these
workshops please contact Eileen at 508-2500. If you register and need to cancel, please
contact us and let us know in advance. Thanks!

Fund
Development
Calgary Cares
Calgary Cares went well this year. The fashion/theatrical gala, the dance party
after, the mingling and schmoozing before, the free food and drink from some of the
Calgarys best restaurants (all donated!) was spectacular and a real step up from the
preceding years. The event grossed just over $70,000 this year. We are already taking a
look at how to increase ticket sales next year. Calgary Cares was a great awareness
raising event and a great community celebration in support of HIV/AIDS work.
We would like to extend a special
thanks to the Calgary Cares Executive Committee for all the time they volunteered; their
help was instrumental for the success of this event. Also, we would like to thank and
recognize all the sponsors that helped make Calgary Cares 2000 happen.
Gold Sponsors:
MAC Cosmetics, The Idea Machine
Silver Sponsor:
Canadian Airlines
Bronze Sponsors:
SMED International, Trojan Condoms, Merck Frosst, Clearnet
Contributors:
MMP Incorporated, Ticket Master, Feroshus, Outlooks, The Event Network, The Event
Group, The Bay
Media Sponsors:
Calgary Herald, Lite 96 CHFM, Western Living & In Calgary, Calgary Magazine,
FFWD Magazine, NewAd Media, A Channel, Go Card Postcards
A Little Old Thing Called
Donating
As both a non-profit and a charity organization, AIDS Calgary depends heavily on
the Calgary community for support and for donations. However, when we think of donations,
many of us only think of the giving of cash or a cheque. Donating can take on many
different and equally beneficial forms.
People can donate their time to the
organization as a volunteer (volunteerism makes up the largest donation to AIDS Calgary
every year). You can also donate goods and/or services to the agency. An example of
donatable goods would be things such as canned goods for our community kitchen, grocery
vouchers for the Greenbough fund, artwork for the Calgary Cares silent auction, computer
monitors, laptops and the list can go as far as your imagination. Examples of donatable
services would include hairstyling or carpentry services for Calgary Cares or maybe design
work for the AIDS Walk poster or the Training for 2001 brochure. The lists go
on. Although there are government regulations we have to follow when giving a tax receipt
for gifts, anything of value you give will help.
If you are interested in donation
possibilities, please give us a call. We would love to help you figure out the best way to
help out!
Third Party Fundraisers
AIDS Calgary has been thankful to experience a whole rash of third-party
fundraisers in the last couple of months. These fundraisers are organized voluntarily by
businesses and community members with all proceeds from the events, or a percentage, going
to AIDS Calgary. We would like to extend a special thanks to Tara Kozak for her long-time
support and for putting on latest fashion fundraiser Frock You! - another in the series of
fashion fundraisers she has been organizing on our behalf over the past years. Kittens
& Creeps clothing on 17th and The Plaza theatre were both instrumental in the success
of this fundraiser.
Thanks also to The Calgary Straight
for a portion of the proceeds from its second anniversary party at the Night Gallery!

etc.
Go Surfing!
Check out these web sites
http://www.health.gov.ab.ca/public/immdes/AID01.pdf
This document is designed for parents of children aged 8-12. It is designed to support
parents who wish to speak to their children about HIV/AIDS. The document provides
suggestions for parents, questions children might ask, where to get accurate information,
tips for creating a comfortable environment for speaking about HIV/AIDS and tips for
making the information age appropriate.
http://www.hivnme.com/content.html
This is an award-winning comic book written by a cartoonist living with HIV. Topics
include living with HIV/AIDS, advocacy, political action and harm prevention all presented
in a very accessible, funny format. *This is an adult comic book*
http://www.artistswithaids.org
This site uses new technology to document and archive the work of artists living with or
lost to HIV. The site includes a virtual collection and a curated exhibit.
http://webmedlit.silverplatter.com/topics/virus.html
Web Med Lit provides daily searches of the web for newly released HIV/AIDS information in
medical journals. This site also provides an option to have daily updates sent by e-mail.
http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/advisory/stjwort.htm
This site from the Food and Drug Administration contains important information about drug
interactions between St. Johns Wort, Indinavir and other retroviral agents.
http://www.hify.com
The Health Initiative For Youth (HIFY) site includes a zine and many youth
appropriate links. Over the past eight years, HIFYs youth/adult partnership has
taken a leadership role in the battle against adolescent HIV and the many health needs of
young people.
Global Clips
Ethics and Vaccine Research
"The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) released a new set
of international ethical guidelines on HIV vaccine research. The guidelines are seen as
particularly important for developing countries, where many future vaccine trials are
expected to take place.
" It is becoming evident
that in the long term, a vaccine may offer the best hope of controlling the AIDS epidemic,
especially in developing countries, said Dr Peter Piot, Executive Director of
UNAIDS. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that all vaccine trials are
conducted under the strictest possible ethical and scientific standards. "
(UNAIDS Press Release. February 28,
2000.
http://www.unaids.org/whatsnew/press/eng/geneva280200.html)
"The worldwide search for an
HIV vaccine received a boost as the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
(NIAID) announced funding of nine U.S. clinical units of the new HIV Vaccine Trials
Network (HVTN). The HVTN, expected to be fully established within a month, will provide a
comprehensive, clinically based network to develop and test preventive HIV vaccines."
" This NIAID network
creates a coordinated, global framework in which to conduct clinical HIV vaccine
research, says NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci, M.D. The HVTN will strengthen
and expand our HIV vaccine studies both domestically and in countries devastated by the
AIDS pandemic. "
(http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/000525/wa_niaid_n.html)
Broadening Access
"The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) announced that a
new dialogue has begun between five pharmaceutical companies and United Nations
organizations to explore ways to accelerate and improve the provision of HIV/AIDS-related
care and treatment in developing countries. The pharmaceutical companies involved have
indicated their willingness to work with other stakeholders to find ways to broaden access
to care and treatment, while ensuring rational, affordable, safe and effective use of
drugs for HIV/AIDS related illnesses. The companies are offering, individually, to improve
significantly access to, and availability of, a range of medicines. Other pharmaceutical
companies have also expressed interest in cooperating in this endeavour."
(UNAIDS Press Release. May 11, 2000. http://www.unaids.org/whatsnew/press/eng/geneva110500.html)
Canadian Drug Approval Time
Lags
"Canadian AIDS activists, frustrated over a lack of access to the newer
antiretroviral drugs that are available in the US and Europe, challenged the government to
shorten drug approval time and to make sweeping changes during an national drug summit
here. The government has turned a blind eye to those of us with AIDS by not allowing
us to have the drugs we need, said Louise Binder, Co-chair of the Canadian Treatment
Advocates Council.
Currently, drug approval time
in Canada for drugs like the newer protease inhibitors is almost double that of the
US, said AIDS researcher Dr Mark Wainberg, President of the International AIDS
Society. Dr Wainberg added that governmental indifference and lack of support is leading
to what he called scientific brain drain, with researchers moving to
greener pastures.
(Reuters Health. May 25, 2000.
http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSSNP001/333/8013/283248.html) |