- Community Garage Sale, Jun 2011
- Riesling Challenge, May 2011
- Red Ribbon Gala, Apr 2011
- Skate and Donate, Apr 2011
- Warm Hearts of Africa, Nov 2010
- Red Ribbon Gala, May 2010
- Ontario Consumer Riesling Challenge, May 2010
- K-W Rotary, Mar 2010
- World Aids Day, Dec 2009
- Sacred Heart, Dec 2009
- Bishop Mac Dance-a-Thon, Dec 2009
- Rotary International District Conference, Oct 2009
- Rotary District Conference, Oct 2009
- Waterloo Outdoor Music Festival, Sep 2009
- Speaking Event, Sep 2009
- Toronto African Dance Festival, Aug 2009
- LINK Picnic Festival, Aug 2009
- Buskerfest, Waterloo, Aug 2009
- Art on the Street, Jul 2009
- The Big Shave II, Jun 2009
- Bracelet of Hope on 100 Huntley Street, Jun 2009
- K-W Multicultural Festival, Jun 2009
- Queer West Film Festival Toronto, Jun 2009
- Night At The Indies Toronto, Jun 2009
- SWAGGER, Jun 2009
- Twin City Women's Group Waterloo, Jun 2009
- Jacob Moon Benefit Concert, Jun 2009
- Wine Tasting, May 2009
- Morriston United Church, May 2009
World AIDS Day 2009
It has been a difficult year for all those who are involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Although we have made miraculous strides in treatment and delivery of medications to those in the third world struggling with this disease, millions remain without access to treatment. Millions will die in 2010 and, as predicted, the number of AIDS orphans in Africa will likely surpass 18 million. Many organizations serving those with HIV have struggled during 2009 in the face of the economic crisis, many necessary services have been withdrawn on the ground in Africa as a result. Just as the world was becoming truly aware of the devastation caused by the AIDS pandemic in the third world, the economy took center stage and the progress made threatens to disintegrate from the pressure.
We can end the AIDS pandemic. Never in history has this goal been more attainable. The science, the technology, the resources sit just beyond our fingertips, just out of reach, waiting to be used to end the worlds greatest humanitarian crises……just waiting.
Locally we have made huge strides. The HIV/AIDS clinic in Guelph is thriving and a satellite clinic in Waterloo will open in January of 2010, ultimately providing care and treatment to over 700 people. The communities of Guelph and Waterloo have raised over $1.2 million for the fight against AIDS both locally and in Lesotho, Africa. The clinic in Lesotho now cares for over 21,000 people. Locally we have started a grassroots movement to end the AIDS pandemic in Lesotho.
Last month I had the privilege of assisting in the delivery of an HIV negative infant. I wrapped this beautiful newborn in fresh flannel blankets, kissed her beautiful cheek and carried her to her mother. She wept as she held her child. She wept with joy and gratitude. Twenty years ago, this mother would not have survived to have a child. Today, the entire family is well.
Today, 1800 babies will be born in Africa with HIV to mothers who have no access to the life sustaining, life saving treatment that prevents the transmission of HIV to her child.
We can end the AIDS pandemic. The solutions are at our fingertips. I can see a world without AIDS. In 2010 we will take up the fight again and one day, in my lifetime, we will celebrate the last World AIDS day
Dr. Anne-Marie Zajdlik MD CCFP
Founder and Director of the Masai Centre for Local, Regional and Global Health
And the Bracelet of Hope Campaign