February 15, 2010
Contact: Karen Alexander
Community Development Coordinator
Living Positive Resource Centre
1-800-616-2437

IF YOU ONLY DINE OUT ONCE IN MARCH,
PLEASE DO IT ON THURSDAY MARCH 25th!

Okanagan – Mark your calendars for the most satisfying meal you'll ever eat! Thursday, March 25th is the date for Dining Out For Life®. This event was established in Philadelphia in 1991, and has grown to more than 3,500 restaurants in 55 cities throughout North America who annually raise over $4 million dollars during this event.

Now in its sixth year in the Okanagan Region, the event will see participating restaurants from Penticton to Vernon who will be contributing a generous portion of the day's revenue to Living Positive Resource Centre to help support the fight against AIDS in our community. To see if your favourite restaurant is participating, visit www.diningoutforlife.com and click on the ribbon for Okanagan Region.

A new addition to this year's Dining Out for Life program in the Okanagan is the Corporate Challenge. The Corporate Challenge allows local businesses to become a "Restaurant Host" and encourage all of their staff, clients and customers, family and friends to join them at the participant restaurant where they are the host. Businesses are also encouraged to challenge other businesses in their particular sector to do the same. The business who is able to completely fill all the seats in the restaurant, or who comes closest to filling all the seats, will be declared the Corporate Challenge winner!

Daryle Roberts, Executive Director of Living Positive Resource Centre says, "We are so grateful to the community for their support of this initiative, especially the participating restaurants. This is traditionally a slow and economically challenging time of year for them, so the fact that they are willing to donate a portion of revenues reflects not only their commitment to our community, but also their understanding and support of the important work we do. The addition of our Corporate Challenge will allow the business community to participate and show support as well. The money raised from Dining Out for Life stays right here in our community to provide crucial funds for support and education programs, so the success of this event is an integral part of our ability to provide these services."

For more information on how to be a participant restaurant; to join the Corporate Challenge; or to volunteer for this event, please contact Karen Alexander at Living Positive Resource Centre at 250-862-2437 or 1-800-616-2437.

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December 1, 2008
Contact: Karen Alexander, Community Development Coordinator
Living Positive Resource Centre
250-862-2437 or 1-800-616-2437

Red Ribbon Campaign
Fact Sheet

LOCATION: Look for staff and volunteers from Living Positive Resource Centre and Okanagan Aboriginal AIDS Society handing out Red Ribbons throughout Kelowna

PURPOSE: To raise awareness for the need for public education to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS; to reduce the discrimination and stigmatization faced by those infected or affected; and to raise funds for support and education programming

HISTORY: The Red Ribbon was conceived in 1991 by Visual AIDS, a New York based charity group of art professionals that aims to recognize and
honour friends and colleagues who have died or are dying of AIDS. The ribbon made its public debut at the 1991 Tony Awards when it was worn by host Jeremy Irons, and soon it became a popular and politically correct fashion statement for celebrities and other awards ceremonies hosts.

WHY WEAR A RED RIBBON?
Care and Concern – it is being worn to demonstrate care and concern about HIV and AIDS – for those living with HIV, for those who are ill and for those who have died.

Hope – the Red Ribbon is intended to be a symbol of hope – that a vaccine and cure to halt the suffering is successful and the quality of life improves for those living with the virus.

Support – The Red Ribbon offers symbolic support for those living with HIV, for the continuing education of those not infected, for maximum efforts to find effective treatments, cures or vaccines, and for those who have lost friends, family members or loves ones to AIDS.

Anyone can wear a Red Ribbon. You don’t have to be gay, or HIV
positive or living with HIV or AIDS to demonstrate that you have

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December 1, 2008
Contact: Karen Alexander, Community Development Coordinator
Living Positive Resource Centre
250-862-2437 or 1-800-616-2437

World AIDS Day
Fact Sheet

PURPOSE:To raise awareness for the need for public education to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS; to reduce the discrimination and stigmatization faced by those infected or affected; and to raise funds for support and educational programming

HISTORY:Started on 1st December 1988, World AIDS Day is about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. World AIDS Day is important in reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done.

LOCAL EVENTS: Red Ribbon Campaign - Look for staff and volunteers from Living Positive Resource Centre and Okanagan Aboriginal AIDS Society handing out Red Ribbons throughout Kelowna

HOW CAN THE COMMUNITY SUPPORT AIDS AWARENESS WEEK?

• Become a volunteer for Living Positive Resource Centre
• Contact Living Positive to schedule a free educational presentation on HIV and AIDS for your workplace, book club, service club, class, social club, family and/or friends
• Purchase a Red Ribbon Pin
• Donate on-line at www.livingpositive.ca

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November 28, 2008
Contact: Karen Alexander or Daryle Roberts
Living Positive Resource Centre
250-862-2437 or 1-800-616-2437

WORLD AIDS DAY IS DECEMBER 1ST

KELOWNA – When the World Health Organization first declared World AIDS Day back in 1988, CBC Television held their first World AIDS Day broadcast. Anchor Peter Mansbridge stated, “The numbers are staggering. The World Health Organization estimates that worldwide as many as 10 million people have been infected with AIDS. Here in Canada, 2,000 people have been diagnosed as having AIDS; more than 1,000 of them have died. Countless other lives have been scarred by AIDS – the lives of lovers, friends and family.”

Twenty years later, the picture is even more devastating. According to estimates by the World Health Organization and UNAIDS “at the end of 2007 there were 33.2 million people living with HIV. That same year, 2.5 million people became newly infected, and 2.1 million people died, over 330,000 of them were children. Two-thirds of HIV infections are in sub-Saharan Africa.” That is a statistic which unfortunately leaves many North Americans feeling that the issue does not have an impact here at home. Instead of reversing the trend, numbers are increasing at an exponential rate, leaving the question of how many more people will become infected, and how many more will die before we are able to stop this preventable disease. The reality is that until high-risk behaviours such as unsafe sex and sharing of needles cease, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to curb the raging pandemic. Here in the Okanagan, the picture is not much brighter. In the first nine months of 2008, the numbers of individuals newly testing positive have risen to numbers higher than have been seen in more than five years, with a dramatic rise in cases of men who have sex with men. So what does that mean for our local AIDS Service Organization (ASO)?

Ten years ago, Living Positive Resource Centre (then known as ARC-AIDS Resource Centre) was a very small organization facing a huge mandate. They had just undergone a name change, had moved to a more accessible location, opened a small resource library and had expanded services from Kelowna to include Vernon and Penticton. There had been a 43% increase in clients coming forward to access services and a 52% increase in educational presentations being done. For the first time Kelowna had seen an AIDS Walk, an AIDS Candlelight Vigil, and the observance of World AIDS Day on December 1st.

Daryle Roberts, Executive Director of Living Positive, had this to say, ”When I arrived in Kelowna in July 1997, I had a vision in mind to make a difference in how this community viewed HIV and AIDS, and more importantly, how it viewed the individuals whose lives had been impacted. In hindsight, I guess I may have been a little naive. I thought I could come into the community and in five years eliminate the stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV and AIDS. I thought other service agencies would embrace the opportunity to integrate HIV into the collective work we did as a community. I wanted to build a relationship with local doctors and other health care providers, so that they could have a better understanding of the challenges faced by someone living with HIV. Above all, I wanted to make sure that the needs of our client base were met, in terms of security of housing, income, food and medical needs. I wanted to ensure there was a strong voice advocating for those who were not always able to advocate for themselves. I had no idea what an uphill battle I was facing.”

In 1998 there was still a lack of knowledge among a lot of the medical community – there were probably only half a dozen doctors in the area who would agree to treat someone who was HIV positive. The ASO was not allowed into the schools to speak to teens about the dangers of having unprotected sex, even though there was a daycare connected to the high school for young teen mothers.

Fast forward to World AIDS Day 2008. Living Positive Resource Centre has provided support and advocacy services to more than 700 clients (ranging in age from 10 to 86) and their families, from Enderby to Osoyoos and across to Princeton. A support group for HIV positive clients has begun in Kelowna, with plans to start groups throughout the Okanagan should clients wish to participate. They have provided public educational services to more than 80,000 individuals throughout the Okanagan, including middle and high school students. They have the most comprehensive HIV resource library between Vancouver and Calgary. They have developed partnerships with community agencies throughout the Okanagan Health Service Delivery area to ensure the needs of their clients are met without a duplication of services. But they are still far from finished their work.

“The reality is that there are still issues of stigma and discrimination”, says Roberts. “The majority of our clients are still afraid to disclose their status for fear of repercussion. While the advent of HAART (highly active antiretroviral treatment) has meant that people with HIV are living longer, it has not necessarily improved the quality of people’s lives, and has not erased the effects of the disease and the sometimes devastating side effects the medications can have. There are still general practitioners and other health professionals who are not creating safe and supportive clinical environments for people with HIV. We need to keep working to change that. Instead of being known as an AIDS Service Organization, we’d like to be and AIDS ENDING Organization. At the end of the day, all we really want to do is close our doors because our services are no longer required. But until there’s a cure, we’ll be here – providing support and education to anyone and everyone who needs it.”

Sources:
CBC:
http://archives.cbc.ca/on_this_day/12/01/

World Health Organization:
http://www.who.int/features/qa/71/en/index.html

BC Centre for Disease Control – 2007 HIV/AIDS Annual Report:
http://www.bccdc.org/content.php?item=5&PHPSESSID=45068eab406858caa7e38b1982d0df40

Interior Health Authority

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November 27, 2008
Contact: Kevin Saya-Moore
Living Positive Resource Centre
250-862-2437 or 1-800-616-2437

SUPPORT GROUP AIMS TO REACH OUT TO HIV+ INDIVIDUALS

KELOWNA – A new support group for those who are HIV positive has begun in Kelowna, and the organizer is working to create a safe and compassionate space to help empower HIV positive individuals, and provide a shared support network.

One would think that this far into the 21st century, the fear and discrimination that originally surrounded the AIDS pandemic would have dissipated. Unfortunately, AIDS service organizations across this country are painfully aware that this is not the case, as evidenced by the vast numbers of individuals who are still fearful of disclosing their HIV status.

When Kevin Saya-Moore moved to Kelowna earlier this year, one of the first things he encountered was the apparent absence of a visible community of people who were HIV positive. Saya-Moore moved here from Vancouver, shortly after the death of his husband Michael. Dealing with the grieving process that comes with such a tragic loss was one thing ~ moving to a new community where he felt ostracized by his positive HIV status quite another.

The situation in Vancouver is quite different. In the Lower Mainland, there are at least ten separate HIV support groups, ranging from broad-spectrum groups to those designed specifically for women, gay men, First Nations, LGTB, and transgendered individuals. While living in Vancouver, Saya-Moore regularly attended a support group at Saint Paul’s Hospital. The affirmative experiences and support he received there were the catalyst for his desire to recreate a similar support network here in the Okanagan.

Mary Petty, Facilitator for the Saint Paul’s support group, has this to say:

“I am really happy to hear that a support group will be available for people living with HIV in the Kelowna area. As you probably know, the St. Paul's HIV Support group has run for almost twenty years now. While the members and facilitators have changed over these years, the group's purpose--providing a safe space for HIV positive people to meet for mutual support and peer education--remains the same.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to feed isolation, marginalization and crisis in communities and among individuals. Despite the fact that we live in a rich country with accessible quality health care and HIV treatments widely available, many HIV positive people remain afraid or unable to seek those treatments and to receive the care and support they need. We find that the availability of a support group enables some HIV people to overcome
their fear and isolation and resume healthy lives.

Of course many HIV positive people are receiving the medical care they require and experience relatively good health. Still, the fear of discrimination and risk of being socially isolated remain as realities of this epidemic. HIV positive people living in smaller cities and towns or in remote and rural areas can be particularly vulnerable to isolation, discrimination and the feeling that they are facing HIV alone. It can be so empowering and comforting to walk into a support group and see others in the room who know something of what you're experiencing. Here, people begin to realize that they can survive, be themselves and be able to count on others to understand.

Medical advances over these past twenty-five years mean that HIV positive people can look forward to productive and healthy lives. But, it is important to understand that living well with HIV requires holistic care including self care, mutual support, knowledge of treatments and a community that fights fear and discrimination. A support group for HIV positive people is a good place to start.”

Kevin Saya-Moore hopes to be able to reach out to HIV positive individuals throughout the Okanagan, to offer the support and encouragement that each of them needs and deserves. Saya-Moore says, “I just know that there are other individuals in this community who, like me, felt isolated and alone. The reality is that we don’t have to feel this way ~ by coming together we can offer mutual support and shared experiences that will help all of us lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.”

The support group currently meets bi-weekly in Kelowna, although if interest is shown, Saya-Moore is willing to help facilitate groups throughout the Okanagan. For more information, contact Kevin Saya-Moore at hivkelowna@gmail.com or by telephone phone at 250-862-2437 or toll-free in BC at 1-800-616-2437.

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December 1, 2007
Contact: Karen Alexander, Community Development Coordinator
Living Positive Resource Centre
862-2437 or 1-800-616-2437
Cynthia Waldek-Peters, Director, Development
BC Cancer Foundation, Southern Interior
712-3910 or 1-866-230-9988

LIVING POSITIVE RESOURCE CENTRE, OKANAGAN
SUPPORTS HOLDING HANDS FOR HOSPICE INITIATIVE

Kelowna - The Living Positive Resource Centre, Okanagan celebrated World AIDS Day on December 1st by presenting a $30,000 cheque presentation to the BC Cancer Foundation, Southern Interior in support of the "Holding Hands for Hospice" fundraising campaign.

Daryle Roberts, Executive Director of Living Positive Resource Centre, says "The reality of the work we do is that until a cure for AIDS is found, our clients are going to need to access hospice care. We fully support this important project to build a free-standing hospice facility here in Kelowna." As the local AIDS Service Organization (ASO) within the Okanagan Health Service Delivery Area, Living Positive has raised $50,000 over the past two years through their Okanagan Family AIDS Walk and other fundraising projects.

Cynthia Waldek-Peters, Development Director for the BC Cancer Foundation, Southern Interior, is pleased at the positive response to the Holding Hands for Hospice initiative. "We are thrilled to have Living Positive step forward as a leader among local service organizations and offer their support. They are helping make the dream of building a free-standing hospice, something which Kelowna has needed and worked towards for a long time, a reality."

Walter Gray, Holding Hands for Hospice Volunteer Chairman, states, "In the 15 months of this fundraising campaign, I really had my eyes opened to the generosity of our community. I am honoured to have been a part of this initiative."

The 24 bed hospice facility is now under construction on Ethel Street in Kelowna, with completion slated for July 2008.

Living Positive Pledges Support for Hospice

(l-r) Cynthia Waldek-Peters of BC Cancer Foundation accepts cheque from Beryl Itani,
LPRC Board Chairman and Daryle Roberts, LPRC Executive Director

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November 29, 2007
Contact: Karen Alexander or Daryle Roberts
Living Positive Resource Centre
862-2437 or 1-800-616-2437

Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia To attend World AIDS Day Ceremony in Kelowna

KELOWNA - The Honourable Steven L. Point, OBC, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia will be the Guest Speaker at a World AIDS Day Ceremony in Kelowna on Saturday, December 1st at 3:30 PM at the Rotary Centre for the Arts. This will be the Lieutenant Governor's first official engagement in Kelowna since being appointed in October 2007.

Living Positive Resource Centre, Okanagan is the AIDS service organization within the Okanagan Health Region. They work in partnership with the Okanagan Aboriginal AIDS Society, and are the only AIDS service organization in Canada to have developed this unique relationship between an aboriginal and non-aboriginal service organization to work together on the issues of HIV and AIDS in our community.

This World AIDS Day event will celebrate this partnership. They will officially be unveiling two art murals which have been created by both aboriginal and non-aboriginal members of our community whose lives have been impacted by HIV and AIDS, and will be presenting an award to the winner of a contest to design a new logo for the Okanagan Aboriginal AIDS Society. A talented young Aboriginal student from School District #23 will receive a $500 bursary to pursue post secondary education, as well as having their artwork used as the official logo of the Okanagan Aboriginal AIDS Society.

"World AIDS Day is an opportunity to commemorate the lives lost to HIV and AIDS, show support for those who are living with the disease, and renew our own personal commitment to fighting the AIDS pandemic", say Daryle Roberts, Executive Director of Living Positive Resource Centre. "It is also an opportunity to showcase this unique partnership between our agency and the Okanagan Aboriginal AIDS Society, the only such partnership in all of Canada. We can learn from each other the challenges and realities of combating AIDS in our community, and work together to prevent new infections."

This event is open to the public, although seating will be limited. For more information on other AIDS Awareness Week Activities hosted by Living Positive Resource Centre, please contact Living Positive Resource Centre, Okanagan at 862-2437; toll-free in BC at 1-800-616-2437, or visit our website at www.livingpositive.ca

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November 22, 2007
Contact: Karen Alexander or Daryle Roberts
Living Positive Resource Centre
862-2437 or 1-800-616-2437

LIVING POSITIVE RESOURCE CENTRE, OKANAGAN TEAMS UP WITH CENTRAL OKANAGAN TEACHERS ASSOCIATION TO PROMOTE AIDS AWARENESS WEEK

KELOWNA - As the worldwide AIDS pandemic continues to rage, our local AIDS Service Organization, Living Positive Resource Centre, Okanagan has teamed up with the Central Okanagan Teachers Association (COTA) to promote AIDS Awareness in secondary schools within School District #23.

COTA First Vice President Michelle Davies says, "As educators, it is a primary concern that our students get the vital information they need to keep them safe and promote life-long awareness of important health issues. This partnership with Living Positive Resource Centre helps us to educate our students not only on the global impact of the AIDS pandemic, but also the impact this has right here at home, and the potential impact it could have on their own lives."

COTA has donated $1,000 to help promote activities in local secondary schools for AIDS Awareness Week, which runs from November 24 until December 1, and Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week, which runs from December 1-5. Students in Grades 10-12 will be given a Red Ribbon to wear, which symbolizes knowledge of the AIDS pandemic and support for those whose lives have been impacted. Secondary School teachers will also participate in 'Dress Down for AIDS Day' on November 30th, which will see them wearing a 'Dress Down for AIDS Day' pin and dressing casually to show their support.

All funds raised by AIDS Awareness Week activities go towards crucial education and prevention programs right here in the Central Okanagan.

For more information on other AIDS Awareness Week Activities hosted by Living Positive Resource Centre, please contact Living Positive Resource Centre, Okanagan at 862-2437; toll-free in BC at 1- 800-616-2437, or visit our website at www.livingpositive.ca.

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November 15, 2007
Contact: Karen Alexander
Living Positive Resource Centre
862-2437 or 1-800-616-2437

AIDS Art Murals To hang in Kelowna Art Gallery

Kelowna - Prominent local artists Lee Claremont, Ruth MacLaurin, and Will Swite, along with Fine Arts students at UBC Okanagan, have teamed up to help create two art murals produced by people in our community whose lives have been impacted by HIV and AIDS.

The work on the murals began back in September as part of the festivities of the Okanagan Family AIDS Walk. Claremont, MacLaurin and Swite were all on hand to assist walk participants as they worked on the mural to commemorate the loss of a loved one, or to show support for those living with the disease. After the AIDS Walk, the murals were taken to the Fine Arts Department at the UBC, Okanagan for finishing touches. Living Positive Executive Director Daryle Roberts says "The partnership with the Fine Arts Department at UBC Okanagan has been amazing. The students were very excited and engaged in the project, so our goal of raising awareness and helping to reduce stigma and discrimination has been that much easier to reach because of our work with them. We are so grateful to Lee, Ruth, Will and all of the Fine Art Students for their hard work, and to Opus Art & Framing Supplies, General Paint and ICI Paints for providing the supplies necessary to make these murals happen."

The murals will be on display at the Kelowna Art Gallery from November 24th until December 8th in celebration of both AIDS Awareness Week and Aboriginal AIDS Awareness Week. The Kelowna Art Gallery is located on Water Street in Kelowna, and is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 AM-5 PM and Sunday from 1-4PM. They are also open Thursday evenings until 9:00 PM.

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September 23, 2007
Contact: Karen Alexander or Daryle Roberts
Living Positive Resource Centre
862-2437 or 1-800-616-2437

11th Annual Okanagan Family AIDS Walk
Sets another Walker Number Record!

Kelowna – For the 11th consecutive year, the rain held off and the sun broke through the clouds as hundreds of people gathered on Sunday, September 23rd at Waterfront Park in Kelowna for the Okanagan Family AIDS Walk presented by Interior Savings.  Over 900 walkers raised pledges for the fundraising event put on by the Living Positive Resource Centre.  All of the funds raised by the walk stay right here in our community to help support individuals and families whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS, for education and prevention programs, and to support the Holding Hands for Hospice Campaign in Kelowna and North Okanagan Youth and Family Services in Vernon.  Total cash raised to date was $50,020, with further donations still to come. 

A stellar cast of Celebrity Walkers included 2007 AIDS Walk Chairman Dr. Bill Nelems,  2007 Honourary AIDS Walk Chair and Canadian Gold Medal Olympian Mark Tewksbury, and Interior Health Medical Health Officer Dr. Paul Hasselback.  Former AIDS Walk Chairs also continued to show their support, including Kelowna Lake Country MP Ron Cannan; Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd; motivational speaker Rhonda Victoor and Rev. Albert Baldeo. Living Positive Resource Centre Board Member Beryl Itani gave a heartfelt and emotional tribute to Executive Director Daryle Roberts, as he was recognized and thanked for a decade of leadership and dedication in addressing community and social issues, and for helping to improve the quality of life for so many people in our community.

This year also saw the largest number of teams participating including Bernard Callebaut Chocolates, BC Thoracic Surgery,  Standard Radio(SUN FM/1150 Talk Radio), Interior Savings Fast Cats, MAC Cosmetics, Starbucks, the Glenrosa Middle School A.C.E.S., Crossroads: Road to Recovery, KGH 3 East, KGH Wakers & Shakers, Westbank First Nation Rubber Duckies, Okanagan College, First United Church Outreach, Sunridge Community Church, Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society Bear Paws, Trinity Baptist Church, Team Lululemon Athletica, UBC Okanagan School of Nursing, and the UBC Okanagan Student Union.  Out of town teams included Team NOYFSS from Vernon and SOGALA from Penticton.                

The Top Team Corporate Winners were once again Bernard Callebaut Chocolates with a total of $10,033.50.  Top Team Non-Corporate was Trinity Baptist Church with a total of $4,640.00.  Top Individual Fundraiser was Sandi Evans of First United Church Outreach with a total of $300.00, while Top Fundraiser within a team saw previous five-time winner Tracy Hansen of Bernard Callebaut Chocolates reclaim his title with a stunning record-breaking total of $9,970.00.  Eldest Walker prize was won by Mona Shelley, with Youngest Walker honors going to 7 week old Ivory August Sarmiento.   The Team Spirit Award went to UBC Okanagan Student Union, and Individual Spirit Award went to Rev. Albert Baldeo.

It was a party like atmosphere with SUN FM Morning Show Hosts Susan Knight and Tarzan Dan Freeman serving as Masters of Ceremony.  The crowd was entertained by local band ‘The City’, and  M & M Meats, Wrap Daddy’s, Bliss Bakery, Starbucks, and the Smoothie Guy ensured everyone was fueled up for the 3 km walk along the waterfront.  Walkers participated in creating two art murals with the assistance of local artists Ruth MacLaurin, Lee Claremont and Will Swite.  The murals will be taken to Fine Arts students at the University of British Columbia Okanagan for final touches, and will then be on display in Kelowna Art Gallery during AIDS Awareness Week from November 24th until December 1st (World AIDS Day).

It was an incredible day in support of a great cause. AIDS Walk Chair Dr. Bill Nelems set a goal to help reduce prejudice, stigma and discrimination.  Judging by the amount of community support shown, it would appear that organizers took another big step in achieving that goal.

Many thanks to all of the volunteers, walkers and sponsors for making this day such a success!

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September 12, 2007
Contact: Karen Alexander or Daryle Roberts
Living Positive Resource Centre
862-2437 or 1-800-616-2437

AN EVENING WITH MARK TEWKSBURY!

Kelowna - Living Positive Resource Centre, Okanagan is pleased to announce "Cinq á Sept" - An Evening with Mark Tewksbury on Saturday, September 22, 2007 from 5-7 PM at the Metro Café in Kelowna.

Tewksbury is best known as a Canadian Olympic swimmer who first won an Olympic silver medal in the 4x100 metre medley relay at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. At the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, he garnered a bronze medal in the 4x100 metre medley relay. Once in the pool for the 100 metre backstroke, he trailed American swimmer Jeff Rouse by half a body length after the turn. A superior swimmer, Tewksbury powered through the final 25 metres to edge Rouse by the identical 6/100ths of a second margin he had lost by in the 1991 World Championship to capture the gold medal in an Olympic record time of 53.98 seconds, a mere 5/100ths of a second shy of a new world record. By the time he retired in February 1993, Mark Tewksbury had won 21 National titles and had been named Canadian Swimmer of the Year four times, in 1987, 1991, 1992 and 1993. He would later be inducted into three major sport Halls of Fame.

The other side of Mark Tewksbury is a charismatic and engaging international motivational speaker, a human rights advocate and spokesperson, a television host and the author of two books - 'Visions of Excellence' and 'Inside Out'. In 1997, he was named the National Spokesman for the Canadian AIDS Walk. A decade after being named Canadian AIDS Walk National Spokesman, Mark once again champions the cause by serving as the Honourary Chair of the 2007 Okanagan Family AIDS Walk.

Don't miss the opportunity to meet this Canadian Olympic hero in person! Tickets are only $30 in advance ($40 at the door if available) which includes wine, appetizers and a signed copy of Mark's latest book, 'Inside Out'. Tickets available at Metro Café (345 Lawrence at Pandosy), Mosaic Books (411 Bernard Avenue), funktional (107-1289 Ellis Street) and Living Positive Resource Centre (101-266 Lawrence Avenue).

This year's Okanagna Family AIDS Walk takes place on Sunday, September 23rd at Waterfront Park in Kelowna. All funds raised stay here in our community!

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For Immediate Release
March 1, 2007
Contact: Karen Alexander, Community Development Coordinator
Daryle Roberts, Executive Director
Living Positive Resource Centre
862-2437 or 1-800-616-2437

"DINING OUT FOR LIFE" ANNOUNCES HONOURARY CHAIRS & MEDIA SPOKESPERSON

Kelowna, BC Living Positive Resource Centre is pleased to announce that the 3rd Annual Dining Out for Life event will be held throughout the Okanagan on Thursday, March 29th, 2007. Honourary Chairs Mayor Sharon & Dr. Michael Shepherd and Standard Radio personality Phil Johnson invite you to take a loved one out for a meal and participate in this innovative and worthwhile event. This year marks the first year that Living Positive Resource Centre is a full program participant, bringing international exposure to the event.

Mayor Shepherd says "Michael and I are long-time supporters of Living Positive Resource Centre and the essential work they do in the community. As a former chair of the Okanagan Family AIDS Walk, I am very aware of the issues faced by individuals and families in our community whose lives have been impacted by HIV/AIDS. This is such a simple way for people in the community to support them, and we truly hope the entire community will embrace this initiative and participate."

Phil Johnson has also been an ardent supporter of the support, advocacy, and education and awareness work Living Positive does in our community. "I support this initiative because all of the funds raised stay here in the community where we are able to see the positive results. Sometimes, because HIV/AIDS is such a huge global issue, people don't feel that individually they will be able to make any impact. This is a great way to make an individual contribution that will have impact right here at home."

Joining in is easy! By enjoying a meal out on this date, community members can contribute to a great cause, and individuals and families benefit from much needed programs and services that will improve the quality of their lives. On March 29th, a number of restaurants in our community will be generously donating 25% of their food revenues (at no additional cost to their guests) to help support those in our community who are living with HIV/AIDS.

Restaurants or individuals who wish to participate can contact Karen Alexander at Living Positive Resource Centre - 862-2437 - or visit www.diningoutforlife.com for further information.

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For Immediate Release
December 19, 2006
Contact:
Karen Alexander, Community Development Coordinator
Living Positive Resource Centre
862-2437 or 1-800-616-2437

Cynthia Waldek-Peters, Director, Development
BC Cancer Foundation, Southern Interior
712-3921 or 1-866-230-9988

LIVING POSITIVE RESOURCE CENTRE, OKANAGAN PLEDGES SUPPORT TO HOLDING HANDS FOR HOSPICE INITIATIVE

Kelowna - Christmas may still be a few days away, but the Board of Directors and Staff of the Living Positive Resource Centre, Okanagan spread some early Christmas cheer today with a $20,000 cheque presentation to the BC Cancer Foundation, Southern Interior in support of the "Holding Hands for Hospice" fundraising campaign.
Campaign Chair Walter Gray was on hand to receive the cheque, stating, "The support for this project has been phenomenal. This takes us yet another step closer to our $3 million dollar goal, and we are grateful to Living Positive for joining us in this endeavour." Says Daryle Roberts, Executive Director of Living Positive Resource Centre, “The reality of the work we do is that until a cure for AIDS is found, our clients are going to need to access hospice care. We fully support this important project to build a free-standing hospice facility here in Kelowna." As the local AIDS Service Organization (ASO) within the Okanagan Health Service Delivery Area, Living Positive has pledged to raise $50,000 within the next three years through their Okanagan Family AIDS Walk and other fundraising projects.
Cynthia Waldek-Peters, Development Director for the BC Cancer Foundation, Southern Interior, is pleased at the positive community response to the Holding Hands for Hospice initiative. "We are thrilled to have Living Positive step forward as a leader among local service organizations and offer their support. They are helping make the dream of building a free-standing hospice, something which Kelowna has needed and worked towards for a long time, a reality."

(L-R) Walter Gray, Campaign Chair; Paula Penticost, LPRC Staff; Cynthia Waldek-Peters, BC Cancer Foundation; Sheila Kerr, LPRC Staff; Beryl Itani, LPRC Board; Karen Alexander, LPRC Staff; Daryle Roberts, LPRC Exec. Director; Wendy McNiven, LPRC Board; Tracy Hansen, LPRC Board; Brian Mairs, LPRC/OAAS Staff.

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For Immediate Release - November 28, 2006
Contact: Karen Alexander, Community Development Coordinator
Daryle Roberts, Executive Director
Living Positive Resource Centre
862-2437 or 1-800-616-2437

KELOWNA COMMEMORATES WORLD AIDS DAY ~ December 1st

Kelowna - As the worldwide AIDS pandemic continues to rage, the 18th Annual World AIDS Day will be commemorated on December 1st. Local residents have the opportunity to show their support for those in our own community whose lives have been impacted.

On December 1st, Living Positive Resource Centre will be hosting a World AIDS Day Gathering at 12:15 PM at James Stuart Park (across from Kelowna City Hall). All residents are invited to participate to commemorate the lives lost and to show support for those in our own community whose lives have been impacted by HIV/AIDS.

Also on December 1st, we will be partnering with the M-A-C AIDS Fund and M-A-C Cosmetics in the Bay at Orchard Park Shopping Mall from 1-6 PM. Living Positive Resource Centre will be on hand for the Annual Red Ribbon Campaign, while M-A-C will be offering free makeovers. Established in 1994 by M·A·C Cosmetics, the M·A·C AIDS Fund supports men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS globally. Introducing its first VIVA GLAM lipstick that same year, M·A·C decided that every cent of the selling price of the VIVA GLAM lipsticks would go to the M·A·C AIDS Fund. With a total of four VIVA GLAM lipsticks now sold worldwide, and through the annual Kids Helping Kids Card Program, M·A·C Cosmetics has provided over $84 million (US) to date for the M·A·C AIDS Fund. The M·A·C AIDS Fund is the heart and soul of the company – with its employees giving their time, energy and talent to help those affected by HIV/AIDS worldwide.

From now until December 31st, locals can help support those in our community whose lives have been impacted by HIV/AIDS by hosting a Night of 1000 Dinners event. The idea behind it is simple; each host plans a night and invites ten (or more!) of their friends for an evening of dinner and conversation. It can be a formal event, or just a pizza and movie night ~ it's your event, and your friends. Each guest is asked to make a donation to the Living Positive Resource Centre and in return receives a charitable tax receipt. As well, the host will receive a receipt for the cost of the dinner, excluding alcohol. It's that simple ~ we provide the invitations, and issue all the receipts. In the past four years, this event has raised almost $7,000 through 120 guests attending dinners with 15 hosts. This year's Co-Chairs for Night of 1000 Dinners are Robert & Marilynne Fine.

For more information on World AIDS Day, the Red Ribbon Campaign, Night of 1000 Dinners, or volunteer opportunities with Living Positive Resource Centre, Okanagan, please call us at 862-2437; toll-free in BC at 1-800-616-2437, or visit our website at www.livingpositive.ca.

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For Immediate Release - November 24, 2006
Contact: Karen Alexander, Community Development Coordinator
Daryle Roberts, Executive Director
Living Positive Resource Centre
862-2437 or 1-800-616-2437

WORLD AIDS DAY ~ December 1st

Kelowna - FLASHBACK! December 1, 1988 marked the first World AIDS Day as declared by the World Health Organization. In a CBC broadcast, host Peter Mansbridge stated, "The numbers are staggering. The World Health Organization estimates that worldwide as many as 10 million people have been infected with AIDS. Here in Canada, 2,000 people have been diagnosed as having AIDS, more than 1,000 of them have died." So here we are, 25 years after the start of the pandemic and 18 years after the first World AIDS Day. The numbers have grown and continue to grow at an exponential rate.

Worldwide Statistics to November 2006:

More than 39,500,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS

There were 4.3 million new HIV infections in 2006

2.9 million people died of AIDS-related illness in 2006

Canadian Statistics for period ending December 2005 (last available):

There are an estimated 58,000 Canadians living with HIV

An estimated 2,300 to 4,500 new HIV infections occurred in Canada in 2005

AIDS has caused the premature deaths of 13,293 people in Canada

27% of Canadians living with HIV are unaware they carry the virus

HIV/AIDS in the Okanagan

BC Centre for Disease Control estimates that there are over 1,500 people in this community living with HIV.

Living Positive Resource Centre provides support services to 275 HIV+ individuals and their families. Our client base ranges from 2-80 years of age. Youth, women, seniors, and aboriginal populations are increasingly at risk. As of December 31, 2005, 26.9% of positive HIV tests were in individuals aged 15-29 years. In 2005, women accounted for 27% of all new HIV infections in Canada. The proportion of annual positive HIV test reports in those aged 50 years or older has risen from 7.5% between 1985 and 1998 to 13.5% in 2005. In 2005, Aboriginal persons accounted for 9% of new HIV infections, yet they comprise only 3.3% of Canada's population.

Medical advances in treatment have resulted in extending the lives of those infected with HIV/AIDS. However, the very treatments that will prolong their lives produce devastating side effects that decrease their quality of life. As a result of HAART (highly active anti-retroviral therapy) people are living longer, which brings a whole new set of health challenges that were not encountered even a decade ago. HIV-related medical costs will be between $250,000 to $600,000 per individual, depending upon age of the individual and the level of disease progression when treatment is started. At the close of the International AIDS Conference in Toronto in August of this year, Federal Health Minister Tony Clement promised the Government would act. He said: "Is there more to do? Yes there is and we'll be announcing that in the near future." Three months have now passed, and the Government of Canada has yet to announce its plans to combat the pandemic.

It makes one wonder how many more people will become infected - and how many more will die? - before the Government of Canada decides to act on it's promise.

STOP AIDS - KEEP THE PROMISE

Sources:

CBC: http://archives.cbc.ca/IDC-1-70-392-2215-10/disasters_tragedies/world_aids_day/

World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/hiv/mediacentre/news62/en/index.html

Public Health Agency of Canada:

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/aids-sida/haic-vsac1205/pdf/haic-vsac1205.pdf

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/epiu-aepi/epi-06/pdf/epi06_e.pdf

BC Centre for Disease Control

Living Positive Resource Centre, Okanagan

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For Immediate Release
September 24, 2006
Contact: Karen Alexander, Community Development Coordinator
Daryle Roberts, Executive Director
862-2437 or 1-800-616-2437

10^th Annual Okanagan Family AIDS Walk
Sets New Walker Number Record…Again!

Kelowna - For the 10th consecutive year, the sun shone brightly as hundreds of people gathered on Sunday, September 24th at Waterfront Park in Kelowna for the Okanagan Family AIDS Walk. Over 700 walkers raised pledges for the fundraising event put on by the Living Positive Resource Centre. All of the funds raised by the walk stay right here in our community to help support individuals and families whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS, and for education and prevention programs. Total cash raised to date was $47,700, with further donations to come. In-kind corporate donations (NOT cash brought in) totalled $22,000.

A stellar cast of Celebrity Walkers included 2006 AIDS Walk Chairman Lois Serwa; 2006 Honourary AIDS Walk Chair and Canadian Trampoline Team member Sarah Charles; Former AIDS Walk Chairs – Kelowna Lake Country MP Ron Cannan; Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd; Rhonda Victoor; Kelowna Mission MLA Sindi Hawkins; Rev. Albert Baldeo; and CHBC's Mike Roberts & Mohini Singh. This year also saw the largest number of teams participating including Bernard Callebaut Chocolates, Team Lois (Serwa), Kelowna Actors Studio, SUN FM/Oldies, Interior Savings Fast Cats, MAC Cosmetics, Starbucks, Canada World Youth Exchange, Team Dina (Kotler), The A.C.E.S., Crossroads Clan, Sunridge Community Church, Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, Sarah's (Charles) Team, Team OK College, and the Lake Country Alliance Church Team. Out of town teams included Team NOYFSS from Vernon and SOGALA and Penticton United Church from Penticton.

The Top Team Corporate Winners were once again Bernard Callebaut Chocolate Chips with another recording breaking total of $12,826.80. Top Team Non-Corporate was Team Lois (Serwa) with a total of $9,852.00. Top Individual Fundraiser was once again Linda Forrest with a total of $1,310.00, while Top Fundraiser within a team saw five-time winner Tracy Hansen of Bernard Callebaut Chocolates upset by AIDS Walk Chair Lois Serwa, who came in with a recording breaking $8,542.00. Eldest Walker prize was won by Mel Merton with Youngest Walker honors going to 2-year-old Miss Woolridge.

It was a party like atmosphere as the crowd was entertained by local performers Smashlee and her Wee Guitar and the Rowdymen. M & M Meats, Starbucks, Marble Slab Creamery and the Smoothie Guy ensured everyone was fueled up for the 3 km walk along the waterfront.

All in all, it was a fabulous day that showed astonishing community support for this great cause. AIDS Walk Chair Lois Serwa stated, “We set out not only to raise funds, but to raise awareness. As I look out over this huge crowd, I'd say we've managed to do just that.”

Many thanks to all of the volunteers, walkers and sponsors for making this day such a success! Tara O'Sullivan may only be 5 years old, but she knows that she has a very important task to perform on Sunday, September 24th at the 10th Annual Okanagan Family AIDS Walk presented by Interior Savings Credit Union. Tara, who is the daughter of CHBC's Mohini Singh and Finbar O'Sullivan, will carry the flag of India to represent the 5.7 million people infected with HIV in her homeland. While Tara is too young to realize that her adoption last year from Calcutta may have saved her from becoming one of the statistical numbers of individuals from that country who are HIV positive, the reality of the situation is not lost on her parents. HIV/AIDS continues to be a threat here at home, with an estimated 60,000 Canadians currently living with HIV. That is why walkers in the 10th Annual Okanagan Family AIDS Walk will also carry flags from the City of Kelowna, British Columbia, and Canada along with flags from countries where the HIV/AIDS pandemic has taken its toll, including South Africa, China, Korea, Ethiopia, Trinidad/Tobago and Israel.

Organizers of this year's walk speak of the milestone of celebrating the 10th Anniversary of this event. Says Executive Director Daryle Roberts, "I don't think that 10 years ago we could have imagined how much the community would come together in support of those individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS. It shows us how much the community values the work we do around prevention and awareness initiatives." 2006 AIDS Walk Chair Lois Serwa agrees the attitudes of the community have changed, "People realize that no one in our community is immune to the threat of HIV/AIDS. This disease affects everyone from babies to seniors, and our only hope of ending this scourge is through prevention and intervention."

All former AIDS Walk chairs will be on hand on Sunday for the 10th Anniversary of the Okanagan Family AIDS Walk, including Kelowna Lake Country MP Ron Cannan, Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd, 2002 Women of Distinction Award winner Rhonda Victoor, Kelowna-Mission MLA Sindi Hawkins, the "Chaplain of Kelowna" Reverend Albert Baldeo, Okanagan Jewish Community President Mel Kotler, as well as this year's Honourary Chair, 2005 World Games Trampoline Champion Sarah Charles. Erin Scott, 2006 AIDS Walk Coordinator, is amazed at the support and dedication shown by these individuals, "It is so wonderful to see these community leaders still continuing to support this important initiative. Not only did they put themselves front and centre during their tenures as AIDS Walk Chairs, but they still continue to inform and educate the public about the importance of HIV/AIDS education and prevention."

Registration for the walk on Sunday begins at 12:00 noon at the Dolphins at Waterfront Park along with a special Kids Zone featuring a 40' Ogopogo Bounce Castle, games and crafts and face painting by Lady of the Lake Danielle Crumback and Princess Ashley Eberle. The 3 km walk along the waterfront begins at 1:00 PM, with awards and live entertainment provided by 'The Rowdymen' and 'Smashlee and her Wee Guitar' beginning at 2:00 PM. M & M Meats will be on hand with their famous BBQ, along with ice cream from Marble Slab Creamery, smoothies and Starbucks coffee. There is no cost to join the walk – walkers raising $75 or more will receive a free AIDS Walk 2006 t-shirt. There is still time to pick up a pledge form for the 10th Annual Okanagan Family AIDS Walk at Interior Savings Credit Union, local Starbucks, or online at www.aidswalk.livingpositive.ca.

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For Immediate Release
September 19, 2006
Contact: Karen Alexander, Community Development Coordinator
Daryle Roberts, Executive Director
862-2437 or 1-800-616-2437

OKANAGAN FAMILY AIDS WALK...
WHO ARE YOU WALKING FOR?

Kelowna - Tara O'Sullivan may only be 5 years old, but she knows that she has a very important task to perform on Sunday, September 24th at the 10th Annual Okanagan Family AIDS Walk presented by Interior Savings Credit Union. Tara, who is the daughter of CHBC's Mohini Singh and Finbar O'Sullivan, will carry the flag of India to represent the 5.7 million people infected with HIV in her homeland. While Tara is too young to realize that her adoption last year from Calcutta may have saved her from becoming one of the statistical numbers of individuals from that country who are HIV positive, the reality of the situation is not lost on her parents. HIV/AIDS continues to be a threat here at home, with an estimated 60,000 Canadians currently living with HIV. That is why walkers in the 10th Annual Okanagan Family AIDS Walk will also carry flags from the City of Kelowna, British Columbia, and Canada along with flags from countries where the HIV/AIDS pandemic has taken its toll, including South Africa, China, Korea, Ethiopia, Trinidad/Tobago and Israel.

Organizers of this year's walk speak of the milestone of celebrating the 10th Anniversary of this event. Says Executive Director Daryle Roberts, "I don't think that 10 years ago we could have imagined how much the community would come together in support of those individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS. It shows us how much the community values the work we do around prevention and awareness initiatives." 2006 AIDS Walk Chair Lois Serwa agrees the attitudes of the community have changed, "People realize that no one in our community is immune to the threat of HIV/AIDS. This disease affects everyone from babies to seniors, and our only hope of ending this scourge is through prevention and intervention."

All former AIDS Walk chairs will be on hand on Sunday for the 10th Anniversary of the Okanagan Family AIDS Walk, including Kelowna Lake Country MP Ron Cannan, Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd, 2002 Women of Distinction Award winner Rhonda Victoor, Kelowna-Mission MLA Sindi Hawkins, the "Chaplain of Kelowna" Reverend Albert Baldeo, Okanagan Jewish Community President Mel Kotler, as well as this year's Honourary Chair, 2005 World Games Trampoline Champion Sarah Charles. Erin Scott, 2006 AIDS Walk Coordinator, is amazed at the support and dedication shown by these individuals, "It is so wonderful to see these community leaders still continuing to support this important initiative. Not only did they put themselves front and centre during their tenures as AIDS Walk Chairs, but they still continue to inform and educate the public about the importance of HIV/AIDS education and prevention."

Registration for the walk on Sunday begins at 12:00 noon at the Dolphins at Waterfront Park along with a special Kids Zone featuring a 40' Ogopogo Bounce Castle, games and crafts and face painting by Lady of the Lake Danielle Crumback and Princess Ashley Eberle. The 3 km walk along the waterfront begins at 1:00 PM, with awards and live entertainment provided by 'The Rowdymen' and 'Smashlee and her Wee Guitar' beginning at 2:00 PM. M & M Meats will be on hand with their famous BBQ, along with ice cream from Marble Slab Creamery, smoothies and Starbucks coffee. There is no cost to join the walk – walkers raising $75 or more will receive a free AIDS Walk 2006 t-shirt. There is still time to pick up a pledge form for the 10th Annual Okanagan Family AIDS Walk at Interior Savings Credit Union, local Starbucks, or online at www.aidswalk.livingpositive.ca.

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For Immediate Release - 9 June 2006
Contact: Karen Alexander, Community Development Coordinator
Daryle Roberts
Living Positive Resource Centre
862-2437 or 1-800-616-2437

"LIVE FREE"
LOCAL BANDS TO ROCK KERRY PARK
IN FREE CANADA DAY YOUTH CONCERT

Kelowna - Local Okanagan bands Sleddogs, Zen Media and 7th Generation are gearing up to perform live at Kerry Park in downtown Kelowna for a free outdoor youth concert on Saturday, July 1st beginning at 3:00 PM. Entitled "Live Free", this amazing event will also feature free give-aways of t-shirts, frisbees, water bottles and more!

Daryle Roberts, Executive Director of Living Positive Resource Centre, Okanagan, says that the "Live Free" concert is the official launch of a Youth Social Marketing & Health Promotion campaign that has been two years in the making. "As a community agency, a large part of our mandate has to do with education about what puts youth at risk. We spent a long time working directly with youth to find what their perceptions of risk were, what they felt put them at risk, and who they felt was most susceptible to being at risk. The need for current, accurate, and fact-based evidence became very clear. Young people in our community don't want to live in a bubble – they want the opportunity to make their own informed and educated choices. We also worked with youth about what would be most likely to engage a youth audience. By asking them what they wanted, we were able to ensure we were designing a campaign that had the greatest impact for the target audience."

The resulting Live Free campaign was funded by the City of Kelowna Community Social Development Grants, the Central Okanagan Foundation, M-A-C AIDS Fund, Until There's A Cure, and Living Positive Resource Centre, Okanagan. "Live Free" is about empowering our youth to make informed and healthy choices which affects all aspects of their day-to-day lives and ultimately their futures. It is about living free of disease, discrimination, embarrassment, addiction, guilt, and shame. It is also about learning to reach out and access information, resources and assistance from safe and knowledgeable sources.

For more information about the Live Free Canada Day concert, or the Live Free Campaign, call Living Positive Resource Centre, Okanagan at 862-2437 or 1-800-616-2437.

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For Immediate Release - May 18, 2006
Contact: Karen Alexander, Community Development Coordinator
Living Positive Resource Centre
862-2437 or 1-800-616-2437

HEPATITIS C EDUCATION & AWARENESS FOCUS OF PUBLIC FORUM

Kelowna - Living Positive Resource Centre, Okanagan is pleased to announce the upcoming Hepatitis C Public Education & Awareness Forum on Wednesday, May 24th at 7:00 PM at the Okanagan University College Lecture Theatre at 1000 KLO Road in Kelowna.

May is Hepatitis C Awareness Month in Kelowna and across Canada. “BC has the second highest Hepatitis C infection rate in the country – almost twice the national average. Over 7,000 individuals in the Okanagan region are living with Hepatitis C, and it is estimated that one third of people who have Hepatitis C are not even aware that they are carrying the virus”, says Daryle Roberts, Executive Director of Living Positive Resource Centre.

The forum will feature Keynote Speaker Dr. Brian Martin, M.D, Family Practitioner & Former Outreach Health Physician. Dr. Martin worked through his undergraduate years at both Washington State University as well as the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta where he graduated from medical school. Dr. Martin completed the Family Practice Residency Program at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia and has since practiced Emergency Medicine, Family Practice Medicine and Addictive Counseling for youth. Dr. Martin has many years experience working with youth with drug problems and has served in a medical consultant role for various substance abuse treatment agencies

Also featured will be Wendy Turnbull, BSN and Donna Zukowski, RN of the Kelowna Hepatitis Clinic who speak about Hepatitis C Treatment and patient health management.

The evening will conclude with a panel of individuals who have experienced both living with and treatment for Hepatitis C.

The evening is sponsored by Schering Canada Hepatitis Care. Admission is free. For more information, please contact Living Positive Resource Centre at 250-862-2437 or 1-800-616-2437.

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For Immediate Release - May 11, 2006
Contact: Karen Alexander, Community Development Coordinator
Daryle Roberts, Executive Director
Living Positive Resource Centre
862-2437 or 1-800-616-2437

Kelowna - The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial will be held in Kelowna on Sunday, May 21st, 2006 at 7:30 PM at Benvoulin Heritage Church at 2279 Benvoulin Road, featuring Keynote Speaker Pastor David Kalamen of the Kelowna Christian Centre. The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial began in New York and San Francisco in 1983. Since then it has become the world's largest grassroots HIV/AIDS event, taking place in over 4,500 communities in more than 93 countries. Organized by the Global Health Council, this event unites people as one force regardless of nationality, race, religion, political views, sexual orientation, or gender. The purpose of the Memorial is:

• To honour the memory of those lost to AIDS
• Show support for those living with HIV/AIDS
• Raise community awareness & decrease the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS
• Mobilize community involvement in the fight against HIV/AIDS

Daryle Roberts, Executive Director of Living Positive Resource Centre, Okanagan, says the AIDS Candlelight Memorial is an important event for our community. "We know that many people in our community have been affected by the AIDS pandemic. The amount of work that is done here at a local grassroots level, to assist those impacted by this disease both at home and in developing countries, is phenomenal. This observance allows the opportunity to share our experiences, celebrate and honour the memory of those we have lost, and look together towards a future when hopefully AIDS becomes a thing of the past. It is our opportunity to think globally and act locally. We are so pleased to have Pastor Kalamen join us as Keynote Speaker, and we look forward to having the community join us for this event".

Karen Alexander, Community Development Coordinator, says that one of the saddest parts of losing a loved one to AIDS is the stigma which still surrounds the disease, which leaves many to grieve alone out of fear of being ostracized from the community. "Part of the Memorial is the reading of the Roll Call, which commemorates those we have lost. If anyone in the community has lost a loved one to AIDS, we invite them to add that person to the Roll Call list. It is not necessary to give a full name, even just initials are acceptable. Nor is it necessary for you to give us your name - just call us at 862-2437 and let us know who you would like added to the list."

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For Immediate Release - April 27, 2006
Contact: Karen Alexander, Community Development Coordinator
Living Positive Resource Centre
862-2437 or 1-800-616-2437

Lisa Mortell
HEPatitis Kelowna Outreach Program
766-5132

"MAY DAY! CAMPAIGN

Kelowna, BC May 1st is National Hepatitis C Awareness Day, and the start of a nationwide May Day! Awareness Campaign running in the month of May, designated as ‘Hepatitis C Awareness Month’.

“ The magnitude of the Silent Epidemic is yet to be realized”, says Lisa Mortell, Co-founder of the HEPatitis Kelowna Outreach Program.

The May Day! Campaign is happening all across Canada to raise awareness and provide education about Hepatitis C. May Day is an international emergency distress signal that is derived from the French word m’aider, which means, “Help me”. This call for help given three times in a row indicates significant danger and a serious threat to life. The reason the campaign is called May Day! is that our communities are in dire need of our help.

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) have released the following alarming statistics:

• Over 250,000 Canadians have Hepatitis C
• There are more than 5,000 new Hepatitis C infections each year in Canada
• 65,000 British Columbians have Hepatitis C
• BC has the second highest Hepatitis C infection rate in the country – almost twice the national average
• Over 7,000 individuals in the Okanagan region are living with Hepatitis C
• At least one third of people who have Hepatitis C are not even aware that they are carrying the virus

The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) destroys the liver, which performs over 500 important functions that keep us alive. There is no vaccine to prevent the spread of HCV, although with accurate information and informed decisions, Hepatitis C is preventable and can be treated. However, access to services, the high cost of treatment and varied success rates remain barriers to many. In many cases, symptoms of Hepatitis C have been mistaken for other illnesses or have gone undetected until severe symptoms are detected.

Hepatitis C is transmitted from blood to blood. Ways of transmitting the disease include, sharing needles, sharing drug paraphernalia, unsanitary tattooing, using non-sterile piercing equipment, and sharing of personal care items such as toothbrushes and razors. It can also be spread through unprotected sexual contact. If you think you may have been exposed to the possibility of infection, please contact your family doctor or a public health nurse and get tested, as early detection can save lives.

Education is the best defense against preventing further infections, and early detection can save lives or slow down progression of the disease. Currently Liver Transplant is the leading demand for organ transplant, however, 30 % of people on the waiting list for a liver transplant will die before a liver is found.

To learn more about Hepatitis C and how you can reduce your risks, contact Living Positive Resource Centre at 862-2437, visit the website at www.livingpositive.ca, or plan to attend the upcoming “Hepatitis C Awareness Public Forum” on May 24th, featuring Keynote Speaker Dr. Mel Krajden who is the Director of Hepatitis Services, BCCDC and Associate Professor, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, UBC.

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For Immediate Release
April 4, 2006
Contact: Karen Alexander, Community Development Coordinator
Daryle Roberts, Executive Director
Living Positive Resource Centre
862-2437 or 1-800-616-2437

"DINING OUT FOR LIFE" RAISES $1,750

Kelowna, BC On Thursday, March 23rd, hundreds of Kelowna residents chose to dine out to help individuals and families in our community whose lives have been impacted by HIV/AIDS. A total of eight restaurants participated in this unique fundraising event, raising a total of $1,750, all of which will stay right here in our community.
Dining Out for Life is an event wherein participating local restaurants donate 25% of food proceeds from meals sold on that day to help support individuals and families whose lives have been impacted by HIV/AIDS. Daryle Roberts, Executive Director of Living Positive Resource Centre, says they are very pleased with the results. "We had fewer restaurants participating than last year, but still more money was raised at this year's event. It is such a big show of faith on behalf of the restaurants that participate, given that business is usually slow at this time of year. We are pleased that so many residents came out to support this initiative, and we owe a debt of gratitude to those residents and the restaurants who supported us - Agostino's Italian Cuisine; Café Soleil; Earl's on Top; Fresco; Siam Orchid; Staccato's and Waterfront Wines. We know that having Alan & Carol Dolman as Honourary Chairs and Mohini Singh as our Media Spokesperson made a difference, and we thank them as well for their support and participation. There were many people who learned about this event because of the commercial done by CHBC, the interviews on Shaw TV or one of the radio stations, or one of the newspaper articles, so we'd like to take the opportunity to thank the media for their support and generosity also."

L-R Media Spokesperson Mohini Singh with daughter Tara; Agostino & Julie Masi from Agostino's; Surrao from Fresco; Ronnie Yamada from Siam Orchid; and Alan & Carol Dolman, Honourary Chairpersons.

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For Immediate Release
Contact: Karen Alexander or Daryle Roberts
Living Positive Resource Centre
862-2437 or 1-800-616-2437

4th Annual "Night of 1000 Dinners" Fundraiser a success!
Kelowna, BC Supporters of Living Positive Resource Centre helped raise funds and awareness about HIV/AIDS during the 4th Annual "Night of 1000 Dinners" fundraisers. Individuals from the community hosted dinner events at private homes and asked their guests to make a donation to the Living Positive Resource Centre. This innovative event raised $1,000, which will stay here in our community to help those families and individuals whose lives have been impacted by HIV/AIDS.

The majority of the funds ($800) were raised at the "Robbie Burns" dinner hosted by Gerry & Carolyne Fraser. The Frasers went all out with a Scottish style dinner menu which included "Haggis" served in the traditional manner – a ceremony which involves the dish brought in to the tune of bagpipes. Living Positive Resource Centre is grateful to all who supported "Night of 1000 Dinners" and hope to see even more hosted events held during the 5th Annual event.

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For Immediate Release
April 12, 2005
Contact: Karen Alexander, Community Development Coordinator
Daryle Roberts, Executive Director
862-2437 or 1-800-616-2437

Kelowna - Sunday, September 25th, 2005 is the 9th Annual Okanagan Family AIDS Walk. This year we are pleased to announce our Honorary Chair will be Mr. Mel Kotler. Mel is celebrating his 20th year in the valley this year, and despite his numerous contributions to the community over those years is still willing to step forward and lend his support of this vital and worthwhile cause.
Building on the successes of former AIDS Walk Chairs such as Reverend Albert Baldeo, MLA Sindi Hawkins, Municipal Councillors Ron Cannan and Sharon Shepherd, and Life Coach Rhonda Victoor, Mr. Kotler and his dedicated team have set a goal of raising $66,000 for this year's event. These monies stay right in our community, to develop and deliver prevention and education programs that create awareness in our community about this disease, and to provide direct client support to subsidize housing, medical fees, medications, transportation, purified water, utilities, hospital incidentals, personal needs, and medical transportation for those individuals whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS.
Between now and September there will be a number of events taking place to raise funds for the 2005 AIDS Walk. The first event will take place April 14-16, when the Kelowna Actors Studio presents "The Laramie Project". This play by Moises Kaufman is the story of Matthew Shepherd, a young gay man who on October 7, 1998 was discovered bound to a fence in the hills outside Laramie, Wyoming, savagely beaten and left to die in an act of brutality and hate. For the people of Laramie the event was deeply personal, and it is their voices we hear in this stunningly effective theatre piece. After each performance, the Actors Studio will be accepting donations to the 2005 AIDS Walk. For more information on the Kelowna Actors Studio, check out their website at www.kelownaactorsstudio.com.
The reality is that AIDS is still fatal and a cure has still not been found. AIDS does NOT discriminate, and many young adults and children, are afflicted. Until this disease is eradicated, the funds raised by the AIDS Walk will help to maintain critical HIV/AIDS services.
For more information on the AIDS Walk, to check on corporate sponsorship opportunities, donate online, or to volunteer for the walk, please contact us or visit our website at www.livingpositive.ca.

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