That connection spiraled into an organ- ization that runs projects in four African countries: Bénin, Gabon, Tanzania and Uganda. Every year, CACHA sends 150-200 participants on missions there and raises about $80,000 for projects that include basic medical care, HIV care and prevention, edu- cation for orphans and vulnerable children, and community awareness about HIV. Dr. Kilby has been hands-on from the beginning, spending between six and eight weeks in Africa every year, visiting each project at least once per year and providing his services. Having seen the progress made in Canada in terms of the acceptance and support of people infected with HIV, Dr. Kilby notes that where he practices in Africa, there is still a stigma attached to an HIV-positive status. He explains, “Some of the problems that we faced 30 years ago [in Canada] are still quite evident in Africa in terms of the marginal- ization and the stigmatization around HIV and AIDS. For the most part, the minimally informed public still has grave concerns about being associated with people who are known to be HIV-positive.” But despite the challenges, Dr. Kilby


believes that we have made great strides in terms of access to medical care in Africa. He also believes that the HIV pandemic is unique in challenging the medical com- munity in the areas of patient rights, equity in medicine and patient advocacy both in Canada and in Africa. Doctors and patients are working together—something he believes was pioneered by the HIV movement. “For physicians now to march with patients, to sit around tables with patients and other care providers to work towards a common goal, that to me is probably what I’m most proud about as a profession. HIV/AIDS has given us an opportunity to be much more involved not only scientifically and medically, but pol- itically and socially.”


And, he says, it has also challenged care


providers, who in the past have typically tried to avoid emotional involvement with their patients. It has encouraged them to reach out to vulnerable people and give them a gesture of kindness above and beyond their professional role—something that Dr. Kilby has always tried to do in his own practice. “My life has been so totally enriched


by this career,” says Dr. Kilby, “and by the people who I’ve met in it, by the patients— especially the patients that I’ve supported through palliative care and death. I’ve learned so much about my own life and about myself in the process. It really is a wonderful career.”


Opportunities To Get Involved


IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN GETTING INVOLVED WITH SOME OF THE FABULOUS INITIATIVES PROFILED HERE, CHECK OUT THE INFORMATION BELOW.


CACHA-ASCCA


CACHA offers substantive opportunities for professionals to offer time in their area of specialization, both in Canada and abroad. Overseas, CACHA recruits medical professionals to join medical teams going to Bénin, Gabon, Tanzania and Uganda. In Canada, volunteers support CACHA through volunteering with donor relations, fundraising, event coordination, grant writing and volunteer services. Volunteers may also apply to sit on one of CACHA’s Committees, such as Supplies and Donations or Policy and Procedures. Want to get involved, but don’t have a medical or non-profit background? Overseas, volunteers are needed to contribute to project logistics. And in Canada, you can get involved in special event planning and execution, or administration. More volunteer job descriptions can be found on CACHA’s volunteer opportunities website. http://cacha.ca/volunteer


Give A Day


Give A Day’s message is simple (give one day’s pay to an organization that will use the money in the fight against AIDS) and getting involved is, too. Volunteers can initiate workplace campaigns that recognize World AIDS Day and encourage their co-workers to donate. To help you get started, the organization’s website provides a workplace campaign toolkit, which make “Giving A Day” to World AIDS Day a snap. The toolkit includes email signature, poster, brochures and online resources to help engage your peers in contributing to AIDS serving organizations such at the Stephen Lewis Foundation or Dignitas International. Or why not host a “harambee,” a party with a purpose? Organize an event and gather friends together to discuss learn about HIV. “We love seeing the creative ways people have come up with to share


the message of Give a Day with their friends and neighbours,” says coordinator Julie Weiss. “We’re always looking for volunteers who are passionate about the issue of HIV and AIDS in the world.” www.giveaday.ca


Bracelet of Hope


At Bracelet of Hope, volunteers have been indispensable in carrying out educational activities and participating in fundraising events. Right now, most volunteers are located in Guelph and the surrounding areas, but over the next year, they’ll be seeking out volunteers throughout Ontario and the rest of Canada. As they begin to work more closely with community-based organizations in Lesotho, they may also have openings for overseas volunteers. For more information on volunteering with Bracelet of Hope, visit their website or contact Executive Director Anne Gardner by email at anne@braceletofhope.ca or by telephone at (226) 326-4673. www.braceletofhope.ca


Warm Hearts of Africa


Warm Hearts of Africa is a charitable movement founded by Michael Gregson and Matthew Steele, two friends and colleagues who undertook short-term humanitarian missions in Malawi, to assist an HIV/AIDS volunteer organization. In August 2006, upon returning to Canada after their first stint in Malawi, they felt the need to empower people they worked with and set the movement in motion across the country. Working towards small business development, improvement in education and the strengthening of health care, they help Malawians help themselves. From Vancouver to Kitchener, from Toronto to Montreal, people have attended and supported Warm Hearts of Africa events and initiatives. www.warmheartsofafrica.com


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