SUCCESS - 2019 Rotary District 7070 HIV AIDS Poker Walks 

My Fellow District 7070 Rotarians, 

It may have been a chilly day, but that didn’t stop 15 clubs sending their representatives to the is year’s Rotary Pokerwalk for HIV/AIDS. A big shout out goes to the clubs who joined us for the first time including the Rotary Club of Toronto Beach and the Rotaract and Rotary Clubs of Toronto Danforth. I want to thank everyone who participated, whether it was through walking, fundraising, and/or volunteering. I also want to thank our prize sponsors including The Toronto Argonauts and MLSE, Steam Whistle brewery, Simple Solutions Landscaping & Snow Removal, and St. Anne's Anglican Church National Historic Site of Canada. We had some big winners but none more so than Toronto Skyline who with their 3 Aces took home 20 Blue Jays Tickets!

Our beneficiary this year was Latinos Positivos – an organization that creates and offers solutions for HIV-positive Latinas and Latinos to obtain accompaniment and support from government and non-government organizations. Despite the seriousness of their work, it was all smiles as they celebrated their community with a strengthened and recognized voice. The day was fun and informative as we learned about the work of organizations like Stephen Lewis, APAA, PWA, OAHAS, and first time attendees Philip Aziz Centre.

With the tenth Toronto walk completed, the walk committee believes that the evolution of this event must continue. No one knows this walk better than those who participate year over year and so we invite everyone to join us in this initiative as we continue to promote this cause.

Thank you,

Nick Ryall

Thank YOU to both Toronto and Belleville Committees for organizing, participating and getting Rotarians, Rotaractors and Rotary Clubs to obtain so many  pledges. This was an amazing opportunity to be Rotary in the public eye.

This year we promoted Latinos Positivos, a completely volunteer-run HIV/AIDS organization that operates in partnership with the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation. Note that this is a change from the original intention to have Dignitas International as the residual beneficiary. Dignitas International is going through some internal restructuring and declined, with thanks, the opportunity to receive support until this process has been completed. 

Latinos Positivos has been a Toronto walk partner for many years. In a recent meeting, we learned that this front-line AIDS Service organization adds a minimum of one new HIV+ member every day with no staff, relying solely on their dedicated volunteers. 

By way of introduction, here is a little information about Latinos Positivos from their website: 

As Latinos living with HIV/AIDS we are confronted with discrimination and stigma. Language and cultural barriers make it difficult for us to have efficient access to various healthcare, social and immigration services. For these reasons and understanding the needs of the Hispanics living with HIV/AIDS, we have come together to address and work on these issues. We create and offer solutions to HIV-positive Latinos and Latinas so they can get backing and support before other government and non-government organizations.

The work that HIV/AIDS organizations do can only really be understood from the mouths of their volunteers. Both Committees encouraged everyone to come and join Rotary on April 27th for a day of fellowship and education. Some of the charities participating in the Toronto walk included OAHAS, PWA, Stephen Lewis Foundation, Latinos Positivos, and APAA. We recommend that you consider one or more of these charities for your generous donations. Remember, 75% of what your club raises goes to a charity of your choice.

For more information, please check out our website at http://rotaryaidswalk.ca/ and register your team today

Thank you,

Nick Ryall

Chair, Toronto Rotary Pokerwalk for HIV/AIDS

Proceeds fund international and local initiatives by participating Rotary Clubs and NGO's to win the war on HIV/AIDS through education, prevention, treatment, support for orphans, surviving guardians and people living with AIDS. In addition, communities stricken by HIV/AIDS will be assisted in overcoming shortages of drinking water, food, or shelter – essential for recovery and a sustainable future.

Supported organizations have been carefully vetted for their effectiveness and stewardship of funds, and include active participation by Rotarians fighting HIV/AIDS.

Thank you for pledging your Support, forming a Team, walking the Walk, enjoying the Fun & Fellowship and the Poker Showdown, Awards, and PARTY after the walk

Everyone wins!