liv poz mag.qxd - Positive Living BC

On
Shining stars
Awards gala honours heroes in BC’s AIDS movement
April 18, the 9th annual AccolAIDS awards gala
took place at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
The event recognized the outstanding contributions of individuals
and organizations in BC’s HIV/AIDS movement.
INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Chee Mamuk Aboriginal Program
The Chee Mamuk Aboriginal Program of the BC Centre for
Disease Control was created in response to the disproportionate
numbers of new HIV infections among BC’s Aboriginal
population. Three exceptional women—Melanie Rivers, Jada-
Gabrielle Pape, and Felicia Tebb—are behind Chee Mamuk,
working with tireless devotion to create and implement innovative
programming that effectively reduces HIV transmission in the
most vulnerable communities. Every program is grounded in
culture and tradition, creating a supportive environment that
engages every participant.
Chee Mamuk’s initiatives extend beyond awareness workshops
and aim to create the capacity for change within the
communities themselves. Chee Mamuk has ensured that
Aboriginal individuals and communities are prepared to win
the fight against HIV/AIDS.
PHILANTHROPHY
The Printing House
The Printing House (TPH) actively supports HIV/AIDS
organizations throughout BC. For nearly a decade it has chosen
Vancouver’s AIDS WALK for LIFE as one of its signature
charities, donating an average of $10,000 a year. In addition
to funds, TPH donates printing services and encourages
employee participation in AIDS WALKS all over Canada.
One of the many projects organized by TPH is its annual
seasonal greeting card campaign, which donates 100 percent
of the proceeds to registered Canadian charities. In 2009, the
funds went to programs that “feed Canada,” including the Dr.
Peter AIDS Foundation Health Program. Over the years, a
number of AIDS related charities throughout Canada have
benefited from TPH’s fundraising efforts and community
philanthropy activities.
KEVIN BROWN PWA HERO AWARD
Monique Desroches
Monique Desroches is a familiar face in the HIV/AIDS community,
lending her story to the media in order to challenge stereotypes,
break down stigma, and promote women’s issues across Canada.
She has served as a pacific regional representative to the Canadian
AIDS Society Board, as well as the Positive Women’s Network
(PWN) representative at the Pacific AIDS Network. Desroches
is currently co-chair of the PWN Board of Directors, leading the
organization’s provincial initiatives.
On a personal level, Monique has made it her mission to
provide support and guidance to women with HIV. Her
indomitable spirit, affable sense of humour, and eternally
positive attitude in the face of multiple adversities have
helped others cope with their own personal struggles.
SOCIAL/POLITICAL/COMMUNITY ACTION (tie)
Micheal Vonn
Staunchly committed to defending the rights of people living
with HIV/AIDS, Vonn has been tireless in her advocacy and
public awareness endeavors. As policy director of the BC
Civil Liberties Association, she works to protect the personal
health information of HIV-positive individuals through initiatives
such as the Right to Privacy Campaign. Vonn has joined with
several HIV/AIDS organizations to form BC’s Big Opt Out,
an active awareness campaign against centralized electronic
health data, or eHealth. She’s been instrumental in educating
people on their rights in regards to disclosing their HIV status.
Since joining the HIV/AIDS community as a volunteer at
AIDS Vancouver, Vonn has used her legal savvy and personal
determination to call for change and empower the vulnerable.
She’s an influential advocate, speaker, writer, and educator
who has done much to publicize issues relevant to HIV/AIDS.
6 living5 MayqJune 2010