PWA’s longevity is a testament to the incredible support from the LGBT community. In the early years of the agency and the AIDS crisis, PWA struggled to meet the rapidly growing demands as more and more gay men were diagnosed with AIDS and in desperate need of immediate help. Before the internet and social media, people primarily connected face-to-face through social clubs, bars and special event nights. The AIDS crisis galvanized the community resulting in immediate action and response.

PWA is proud of the strong partnerships with many organizations that enable us to continue to provide programs and services that meet the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS.

TICOT

PWA is honoured to have a long-standing partnership with The Imperial Court of Toronto (TICOT). Both organizations started their valued work in 1987 – one can say we “grew up” together supporting the HIV/AIDS Community. For over 29 years PWA has been privileged to work closely with TICOT at shifting perspectives and attitudes about HIV/AIDS and LGBT issues, needs, and experiences.

TICOT is a non-profit community service organization that raises money to support various charities and organizations. Their mission is to, “conduct projects of a public service or charitable nature, to benefit legitimate charities, and in so doing, to provide social activities for the express benefit and/or pleasure and entertainment for the community.” The organization is membership based and completely run by volunteers, open to anyone and everyone. Members represent every aspect of society and live fully to their mantra – to celebrate life through Friendship, Unity, and Nonsense: FUN!

PWA has proudly been TICOT’s charity of choice for many years. Their fundraising efforts support PWA’s Essentials Market and Food Access programs. PWA’s Essentials Market is the only food bank in Toronto that exclusively serves people living with HIV/AIDS. The Food For Life program, in partnership with Dixon Hall Neighbourhood Services, provides weekly meal delivery to those in need.

Heartfelt thanks go out to Empress XXIX Morgan James, Emperor XXIX Hunter James, and the entire court for their tireless efforts this past year. At the TICOT Annual General Meeting on Sunday, November 6, PWA was presented with a cheque for $17,000.00 raised during Reign XXIX. In our 29 years together, TICOT has contributed over $350,000.00 to PWA.

We are truly excited as we look ahead to Reign XXX and to working with Empress Nikki Chin and Emperor Jason Dickson Vanderbilt. Together we continue to be visible in our community and help change lives of people living with HIV/AIDS.

To learn about TICOT please visit: www.ticot.ca

Spearhead

Founded in 1970, Spearhead has been the most enduring gay organization of its kind in Canada. The leather social group was formed for the purpose of bringing together men who wish to recognize with pride, value and privilege of belonging to an organization of individuals of shared interests and goals. Spearhead has been a constant support in the community raising thousands of dollars for local AIDS charities.

PWA has been a consistent beneficiary of Spearheads community work. For almost a decade Spearhead has raised over $42,000 in needed funds and collected thousands of pounds of non-perishable food for our Food Programs – the Essentials Market, and the Food For Life program. The Essentials Market is the only food bank in Toronto that exclusively serves people living with HIV/AIDS. The Food For life program, in partnership with Dixon Hall Neighbourhood services, provides weekly meal delivery to PHA’s who are returning home from the hospital, experiencing severe mobility, have acute medical issues, or are receiving palliative care.

Thank you to the Spearhead membership and Board of Directors for the unwavering support and recognition.

To learn about Spearhead please visit: www.spearheadtoronto.com