Scotia Run Fundraising Challenge – Over $6,400 Raised
Thanks for everyone’s generous support, since the launch of the ACAS Scotia Run Fundraising Challenge on July 30, we have already registered 16 runners and raised $6,471, which is 32% of our $20,000 fundraising goal.
To encourage others to join ACAS in the Scotia Run Fundraising Challenge and help us reach our $20,000 goal, we have decided to reimburse you for the registration fee if you are able to raise a minimum of $500. To ease the process of registration, if you would like to join any of the above teams as a runner/walker, you can use the general discount charity PIN 13STWMSCC. You will need to pay for the registration fee upfront first, and if you are able to raise at least $500, ACAS will reimburse you the $40 registration fee for the 5k (excluding taxes and processing fee). You can register to become a runner at https://secure.eventsonline.ca/events/crs_scotia/. Please make sure you select Asian Community AIDS Services as your designated charity and then create your fundraising account after the registering as a runner by clicking on the “transfer information to create online fundraising account” option.
For more information about registration, please visit http://run4acas.tumblr.com
To make a direct one-time donation to ACAS, you can click on the following link:https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/PersonalPage.aspx?eventid=117277&RegistrationID=1752911
Here are some of the reasons why our supporters have been sponsoring our runners:
“It is such a honour to contribute to your good work and the good work of ACAS. I know you will reach your goal and even exceed it. Much love and best wishes. Run my friend RUN in good health!”
“ACAS has been part of my life since 2006, and I know they are a wonderful support to my friends.”
“Thanks for all that you do for the community! See you at the Finish Line!!”
ACAS has created 4 teams this year, an increase of 2 more teams than our previous 2 years. Currently, our main team, Team ACAS is in the lead with $1,950. Congratulations to the ACAS Women’s Program Team, ACAS Her-icane, the women have shown their fundraising prowess and over-taken the Men’s Program Team, Fast and Furious to take the second place.
1. Team ACAS $2,050.00
2. ACAS Her-icane $1,915.00
3. Fast and Furious $1296.00
4. Team Patrick Truong $670.00
There are many staff who are running for their respective teams this year, and you can contact them directly or click on their names below to become their sponsor:
Top 5 Fundraisers:
1. Christian Hui $1050.00
2. Mezart Daulet $1000.00
3. Amutha Samgam $700.00
4. Noulmook Sutdhibhasilp $570.00
5. Andrew Miao $500.00
We at ACAS are committed to providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services for East and Southeast Asians living with HIV/AIDS, and your support to our fundraising challenge will ensure that our service users receive the much needed services in the best manner possible. You can help us with the cause by registering as a runner/walker or become one of our sponsors. Donations over $20 will be issued an electronic tax receipt. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Christian Hui at community@acas.org
Support Program Education and Wellness Retreat
Thanks to the generous support of Janssen Pharmaceuticals and ViiV Healthcare and the hard work of our Support Program staff Andrew, Amutha and Kenneth, ACAS was able to once again host its annual Support Program Education and Wellness Retreat for service users living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. About 40 participants spent part of the Labour Day weekend at the lovely Ecology Retreat Centre in Orangeville on Aug 30 to Sept 1. Aside from giving program clients an opportunity to connect with nature, hike at the Bruce Trail, enjoy a meditative labyrinth walk, and tell ghosts stories at a cozy bonfire gathering, the retreat aimed to increase the capacities of the service users to better care for themselves. Educational sessions include the presentation on “Bridging the gap with the physician” by Thomas Egdorf (CATIE), “how to navigate the healthcare system” by Agnes Tong (Toronto General hospital), and “Overview of I.A.C” by Christian Hui. The wellness sessions include accuball massage (by Raissa), shiatsu massage clinic (Teruma) and a mindfulness workshop (Teruma). The retreat was very well received by all the attendees and ACAS will strive its best to hold another similar retreat for its clients annually. Funds raised from the Scotia Run Fundraising Challenge will allow such meaningful events to continue and provided for our service users.
Voices of Queer Asian Youth
Have you seen the amazing interview, Voices of Queer Asian Youth featuring QAY members as they talk about what it means to be a queer youth from the East and Southeast Asian community living in Toronto? Beautifully produced, the video speaks about some of the issues and reality facing queer Asian youths, ranging from oppression, discrimination, stigma, racism. The youths were able to speak about what they felt were important for queer Asian youths – friendship, support, open communication, healthy body image, and knowing how to practice safer sex. You can watch the video teaser at http://youtu.be/urCELewoLuIand the full interview here at http://youtu.be/tEJzMp_4qJk . Please feel free to spread the word and share the links.
Educational Workshops and Outreach
ACAS certainly had a busy month in August and held as series of educational workshops this month. Thanks to Alice Yuen, our summer student from Ryerson’s Nursing Program, the ACAS Women’s Program held a successful “Keep Calm and Do First Aid Workshop.” The workshop was very well received by participants as they gained hands-on knowledge on how to apply first-aid in emergency situations. On another note, our very own Meza Daulet and Chie Takano Reeves utilized their Japanese language skills and facilitated a workshop on multiculturalism, anti-oppression (e.g. homophobia, HIV stigma, etc) and safer sex practices for a group of Japanese temporary workers/students at Brand New Way, an agency serving Japanese newcomers and visitors. Last but not least, ACAS partnered with the Toronto Chinese Health Education Committee and outreached at China Town Festival to promote safer sex and LGBTQ awareness.
Summer Boys
The ACAS Men’s Program certainly knows how to take advantage of the summer heat and relax during August. As a re-introduction of social events for ACAS’ Men’s Program clients and volunteers, a group of staff and program participants had a wonderful beach picnic at Hanlon’s Point on the Centre Island. The turn out was amazing, as we had new faces and old faces join us at the picnic! Yummy food, good people, and condoms—-what a nice way of spending a Sunday afternoon.
Volunteer Core Skills Training
Interested in volunteering for ACAS? Our volunteer Program is once again holding its Core Skills Training this Saturday, September 7, from 9am to 430pm at the ACAS Office. In this training, you will learn more about the benefits of volunteering at ACAS, the roles and expectations for our volunteers, learn more about the basics of HIV and Trans issues, and meet a whole new group of committed, enthusiastic volunteers at ACAS. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer and attending the training, please contact Trisha S at volunteer@acas.org.
Qi Magazine
Have you checked out our online zine, Qi Magazine yet? Last month in the July Issue, one of our articles, “Our Agenda – My Freedom” written by Christian Hui, got reposted onPositiveLite.com as well as the Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance’s OurAgenda.ca site, a web resource for gay, bi and MSM men to explore their holistic, mental and sexual health. You can read the article here: http://qimagazine.ca/2013/07/my-freedom/. In this month’s brand new issue for August, we have an array of articles ranging from voices of our queer Asian youths, favourite summer anthems, how to “play” safely outdoors, gelato, a photographic travel journal, and the blog from our very own Heywon Kim on her experience on her Canadian International Development Agency International Youth Internship in Thailand and as an HIV outreach worker with Thailand National AIDS Foundation (TNAF).
Notice of Annual General Meeting
From our Board Chair, Andre Goh:
Dear Members and Friends,
On behalf of the Asian Community AIDS Services (ACAS), It is my pleasure to invite you to our 2013 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday, September 20, 2013 from 6:00 to 7:45 p.m. at 490 Sherbourne Street, 1st floor Meeting Room, Ph. 416-205-9888. Registration starts at 5:15 p.m. A light dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m.
Please RSVP with Niki Joy Marohnic
by email at officeadmin@acas.org
or by phone at 416-963-4300 by Wednesday, September 18.
If you are eligible for membership, we encourage you to become a voting member of ACAS for the AGM. Fill out the membership form at the AGM registration desk. Membership fee is $10 and it is good for 2 years. We hope to see you there!
