If you wanted to know about the latest goings on at ACAS you’ve come to the right place.
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ACAS reaches $9,900 in funds raised! Join us this Saturday, Oct 10, at the “Dine for ACAS at Fabulous Feast – Thai Edition” to raise funds for the ACAS ScotiaRun Charity Challenge!
With only 10 days away from the Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k, we want to thank all of our 119 donors, our 7 teams and 32 runners/walkers for helping us raise $9,900 so far! As we are almost halfway to our $20,000 fundraising goal, please kindly make a donation or sponsor a team or a runner/walker to help us reach our annual fundraising target. The simplest way would be to click on the secured ACAS fundraising link and make an online donation right now: https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/FundraisingPage.aspx?RegistrationID=2781968 Donations over $20 will receive a tax receipt. Another way you can help ACAS reach our $20,000 goal is to come to our upcoming ACAS Fabulous Feast! Do you want to feast on scrumptious and tasty Thai cuisine for a good cause? Join us at the Dine for ACAS at Fabulous Feast - Thai Edition! https://www.facebook.com/events/1512439322388751/ Date: October 10 Time: 7-9pm Location: Party Room, 256 Jarvis Street, Parking on the street Daniel Le, Richard Utama, and Trisha Steinberg are hosting a Thai dinner party to raise fund for ACAS Toronto Waterfront Marathon and you are invited. Noulmook S., ACAS Executive Director will team up with volunteers to cook authentic Thai dinner for the guests. Enjoy a variety of Thai food: - Green curry - Som Tum - papaya salad - Vermicelli salad - Thai Esarn sausage - Son in law eggs - Thai desserts and more! Suggested donation: $30 . Bring your own bottle (BYOB) You will receive donation receipt! Space is limited! RSVP by Friday 9th! Please contact us to RSVP and any questions/concerns. Richard at men@acas.org Trisha at volunteer@acas.org Noulmook at ed@acas.org With your help, we can reach our $20,000 fundraising goal to raise funds for East and Southeast Asians living with HIV in the Greater Toronto Area and assist with the operations [...]
ACAS Septemer 2015 Month in Review
Only 15 Days Away! Help us reach our $20,000 fundraising goal at the ACAS ScotiaRun Charity Challenge! We would like to thank our 89 donors and 27 runners and walkers for helping us raise $6,840 so far for the 2015 ACAS ScotiaRun Charity Challenge! With only 15 days away, we still have 55% of our fundraising goal to reach. Though time is ticking and getting closer to the race date on Sunday, October 18, there are a number of ways how you can help ACAS reach our $20,000 fundraising goals this year! at the 2015 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k! The simplest way would be to click on the secured ACAS fundraising link and make an online donation right now: https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/FundraisingPage.aspx?RegistrationID=2781968 Donations over $20 will receive a tax receipt. The second way would be to make a donation to a team or runner/walker of your choice: This year, we have 6 teams competing against each other for the top team honour. As of October 3, 2015, Team Fierce & Fabulous is in the lead with $2,505! The following are the team results and the team page link where you can make a donation to the team of your choice or a specific runner/walker of a team: 1) Team Fierce & Fabulous (Women’s Program). Team Captain: Jenny. Goal $5,000. Raised $2,505 https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?EventID=164260 2) Team CelebrAsian (Dr. Alan Li/Keith Wong). Team Captain: Alan Goal $8,000. Raised $1,100. https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=638625 3) Team Remembrance of Heroes (Support Program). Team Captain: Andrew Goal $5,000. Raised $965. https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=639632 4) Team ACAS (General ACAS team). Team Captain: Christian Goal $5000. Raised $915. https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=624643 5) Team RaMen (Men’s Program). Team Captain: Ryan. Goal: $2,000. Raised $780. https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=639537 6) QAY Naruto Run (Youth Program). Team Captain: Euan. Goal: $1,000. Raised: $75 https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=640100 The third [...]
Have you seen the wonderful #Run4ACAS videos featuring some of our lovely teams? Support the ACAS ScotiaRun Charity Challenge 2015 to help us reach our $20,000 Goal for East and Southeast Asians living with HIV in the Greater Toronto Area!
Have you seen the wonderful #Run4ACAS videos featuring some of our lovely teams? If you have not done so, please check them out here: If you have questions about the race, please watch the following video announcement by Christian Hui, Community Engagement and Ontario Positive Asians (OPA+) Coordinator. Make sure you watch the video til the end! If you would like to know how to join ACAS as a runner or walker at the race, please visit http://run4acas.tumblr.com or our ACAS website (www.acas.org) or ACAS Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/AsianCommunityAIDSServices) for more information. This year, we have the following teams raising money for ACAS. Let’s see which team will run the fastest and raise the most money! Please watch the following videos that each team has created just for you and visit the following team pages if you would like to make a donation to the team or a particular team member! 1. Team ACAS (General ACAS team) Goal $3000 https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=624643 2. Team CelebrAsian (Alan Li, ACAS Founder & Keith Wong, former ACAS E.D.) Goal $8000+ https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=638625 3. Team Fierce and Fabulous (ACAS Women’s Program) Goal $5000 https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=640086 4. Team Ramen (ACAS Men’s Program) Goal $2000 https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=639537 5. Team REMEMBRANCE OF HEROES (ACAS Support Program) Goal $5000 https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=639632 6. Team QAY Naruto Run (Youth Program) Goal $1000 https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=640100 If you would like to make a general donation to ACAS (and not to a specific team or runner/walker), you can do so at the following secure, online link below: https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/LocationHome.aspx?eventid=164260&langpref=en-CA&locationID=164339 Donations over $20 will receive tax receipts. If you have any questions, please visit: http://run4acas.tumblr.com or contact Christian Hui, Community Engagement/Ontario Positive Asians (OPA+) Coordinator at community@acas.org. Thanks for all your support and generosity in advance! #Run4ACAS
ACAS August 2015 Month in Review
August has certainly been a hot month! Did you take part in one or more of the amazing ACAS activities this August? Here is a re-cap of what happened: Men’s Program Launches ACAS Men’s Program Launches SLAM! (Sex, Love, Asian, Men!) website, a New PSA “HIV Testing: As Easy As Ordering Bubble Tea”, and HumpDAY! The ACAS Men’s Program launched its new SLAM! (Sex, Love, Asian, Men!) website (http://slam.acas.org/)! About the SLAM! (Sex, Love, Asian, Men!) website: SLAM! is the gay/bi Asian Men’s program created by Asian Community AIDS Services (ACAS) based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The SLAM! website is a hub to curate relevant and interesting information for gay/bi Asian men. ACAS’ Men’s Program aims to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS among Asian men who have sex with men by promoting safer sex practices, harm reduction behaviours and early intervention in culturally relevant ways. Interactions with community members through our outreach activities at bathhouses, bars, and other community events have indicated a gap in the sexual health information being provided to our target population, Asian gay/bi men. Further, inconsistent and potentially unreliable or out-of date information is, we believe, contributing to inadequate sexual health-related decision-making among Asian gay/bi men In November 2009, the ACAS Men’s Program piloted a sexual health symposium entitled Sex, Love, Asian Men!(SLAM!) in order to reach a broad audience as well as to identify gaps and barriers in Asian men’s sexual health education and service needs. The symposium was targeted to self-identified Asian gay/bi men from all ethnic backgrounds. Over 30 participants attended the inaugural event, which consisted of three interactive educational and knowledge translation workshops on sexually transmitted infections (STIs), risks, and HIV testing (Sex Without Fear), relationships (Sex and Relationships), and body image (Sex and Body Image).Workshops were facilitated by prominent members of the Asian community. [...]
ACAS Men's Program Launches SLAM! (Sex, Love, Asian, Men!) website & New PSA "HIV Testing: As Easy As Ordering Bubble Tea"!
The ACAS Men's Program announces its launch of its new official SLAM! (Sex, Love, Asian, Men!) website (http://slam.acas.org/) and a new PSA "HIV Testing: As Easy As Ordering Bubble Tea"! About the SLAM! (Sex, Love, Asian, Men!) website: SLAM! is the gay/bi Asian Men’s program created by Asian Community AIDS Services (ACAS) based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The SLAM! website is a hub to curate relevant and interesting information for gay/bi Asian men. ACAS’ Men’s Program aims to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS among Asian men who have sex with men by promoting safer sex practices, harm reduction behaviours and early intervention in culturally relevant ways. Interactions with community members through our outreach activities at bathhouses, bars, and other community events have indicated a gap in the sexual health information being provided to our target population, Asian gay/bi men. Further, inconsistent and potentially unreliable or out-of date information is, we believe, contributing to inadequate sexual health-related decision-making among Asian gay/bi men. In November 2009, the ACAS Men's Program piloted a sexual health symposium entitled Sex, Love, Asian Men! (SLAM!) in order to reach a broad audience as well as to identify gaps and barriers in Asian men’s sexual health education and service needs. The symposium was targeted to self-identified Asian gay/bi men from all ethnic backgrounds. Over 30 participants attended the inaugural event, which consisted of three interactive educational and knowledge translation workshops on sexually transmitted infections (STIs), risks, and HIV testing (Sex Without Fear), relationships (Sex and Relationships), and body image (Sex and Body Image).Workshops were facilitated by prominent members of the Asian community. ACAS’ Men’s Program is committed to reaching the broader Asian male population using an inclusive, non-judgmental approach to identify and respond to the needs of our target population. To that end, we intend to expand the scope [...]
#ACASturns20: What ACAS Means to Me
This August, we are honoured to have Bosco Yan, long-time survivor, activist, and the recipient of the 2012 ACAS Patrick Truong PHA Leadership Award, to tell us what ACAS signifies to him. Thank you Bosco for your years of dedication to ACAS and for your courage to speak up as an Asian living with HIV to raise awareness within the Asian community.
ACAS July 2015 Month in Review
July has been an exciting month for Toronto, especially with us hosting the PanAm Games in town. We hope all each and everyone of you had a wonderful month enjoying the wonderful warm and sunny weather. Here is a re-cap of what happened this past month and a very important announcement: It’s Scotia Run Time! Are you ready to run for a great cause and raise money for Asian Community AIDS Services (ACAS) to support East and Southeast Asians living with HIV in Toronto? Join ACAS at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon (STWM) Charity Challenge 2015 on Sunday, October 18, 2015 to help us reach our $20,000 goal! We invite each and everyone of you to take part of the challenge as a runner, walker, fundraiser, donor or supporter! If you would like to register to become a runner and raise money for ACAS, you can register as a runner at https://secure.eventsonline.ca/reg/crs/. As a runner/walker for ACAS, you can use the special Charity Pin Code15TSCC when you register after which you can choose Asian Community AIDS Services as your designated charity. This special Charity Pin Code allows you to register at the preferred charity rates: $40 for 5k; $50 for 5k with a single baby stroller; $80 for Half Marathon (21k) or Marathon (42k). Please make sure that you utilize the 15TSCC code when you register as ACAS will not be able to reimburse you after you have registered. The only exception is for the top 10 fundraisers whom ACAS will reimburse the amount of the registration to you after the race. Free Registration fee will be waived for first 3 PHAs to register with ACAS, and the top 10 fundraisers will have their entry fee refunded after the race. Also, there will be a prize for the top fundraiser, so [...]
Volunteer Program is currently recruiting for Administrative Assistant
Volunteer Program is currently recruiting for Administrative Assistant Objective: To provide administrative and clerical support to the Executive Director and Program Coordinators as required. To act as ACAS frontline reception and direct clients and visitors to the appropriate services in a manner that is in line with ACAS guidelines and principles. Time Commitment: minimum 3 months commitment / 3 hours per week Current available shifts for this role are as follows: Wednesday's 1st shift: 11 am - 2 pm 2nd shift: 2 pm - 5 pm (or 3 pm - 6 pm) Friday's 1st shift: 11 am - 2pm Qualification/Requirements: knowledge of office procedures – phone etiquette, filing, organizational skills, computer skills (MS Office) good communication and social skills client-centered, sensitive, non-judgmental, and ability to work with diverse communities basic knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention and willingness to increase knowledge through training and personal study awareness of relevant Asian community resources and services, client needs assessment, and referral skills an asset mature, responsible, reliable and self-starter knowledge of an East Asian and/or South-East Asian language an asset Training & Placement: Volunteer is required to attend specific volunteer orientation training and Core Skills Training. You will also receive special training specific to this role. Evaluation: Performance will be reviewed and evaluated by the volunteer program coordinator every 2 months. For more details or if interested, please contact Trisha directly at (416) 963.4300 ext 232 or via email volunteer@acas.org.
INTERNAL JOB POSTING: Women’s Outreach Program Coordinator
Women’s Outreach Program Coordinator Internal Job Posting: For members, volunteers, service users, and current employees Type of Contract: Part-time (3 full days/week), contract position Application Deadline: Thursday, July 30 (midnight) Interview Date: Tuesday, August 4, 2015 Contract Duration: August 17, 2015 -June 30, 2016, renewable Responsibilities: 1. Plan, implement and evaluate the Asian Women-at-Risk Outreach and Education Project 2. Recruit, train and support 8 peer educator volunteers to assist with HIV/AIDS education services for Asian women 3. Provide 8 HIV/AIDS outreach sessions at various East and Southeast Asian ethno-cultural community events, ESL classes, church groups and settlement services 4. Conduct 14 HIV/AIDS/STIs workshops for Asian women in the City of Toronto 5. Organize “Pillow Talk” , a community learning forum on women and sexual health 6. Organize World AIDS Day activity in collaboration with other ACAS programs 7. Collaborate with ACAS Men’s sexual health project to organize outreach and workshops targeting heterosexual men 8. Attend network meetings and professional development training as required 9. Maintain statistics, prepare reports and a funding proposal 10. Other administrative tasks as needed Qualifications: • College or university education or 2-3 year work experience in social work, adult education, or health promotion • Familiarity with the East and Southeast Asian communities in Toronto, especially with issues faced by newcomer women and their families • Knowledge, and/or lived experience, and sensitivity to issues concerning HIV/AIDS/STIs, women’s healthy sexuality, and violence against women • Good communication and writing skills in English • Fluent in one of the East or Southeast Asian languages and able to conduct a workshop in that language a must • Basic volunteer management skills • Experience in workshop planning, and group facilitation, especially with women • Experience in conducting health outreach activities, and community development • Ability to prioritize, delegate, and handle multiple [...]
Run with ACAS at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon (STWM) Charity Challenge 2015 to help raise $20,000!
Dear runners, walkers, donors and ACAS supporters, Are you ready to run for a great cause and raise money for Asian Community AIDS Services (ACAS) to support East and Southeast Asians living with HIV in Toronto? Join us as a runner or walker on Sunday, October 18, 2015 at this year at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k Run/Walk (STWM) Charity Challenge! This is ACAS’ 5th year at the STWM Charity Challenge, and our fundraising goal is $20,000. We invite each and everyone of you to take part of the challenge either as a runner, walker, fundraiser, donor or supporter! Last year, ACAS had 26 runners/walkers in five teams to rasie a total of $24,811at the 2014 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, Half-Marathon and 5k, exceeding our $20,000 fundraising goal. This year, we are hoping to once again achieve or surpass our $20,000 fundraising goal as a way to finish celebrating our 20 years of community building and activism for the East and Southeast Asian HIV and LGBTQ communities in Toronto. The funds raised will help ensure that our East and Southeast Asian service users living with HIV/AIDS can continue to receive the much needed culturally and linguistically appropriate services, to access emergency client funds to cover medication or emergency housing costs, and to apply for education allowance for education and training opportunities. The money raised will also help support the Ontario Positive Asians (OPA ) network that aims to bring all Asians living with HIV across the province together where they can connect with one another in a culturally-safe space and identify the needs most relevant to their well-being. Please watch this space, http://run4acas.tumblr.com, and our ACAS website (http://www.acas.org) and ACAS Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/AsianCommunityAIDSServices) for news and updates. If you would like to register to become a [...]