The PozTO Awards are a reflection of what is good and what is positive and what is possible in Toronto.
Every year on this night there is a list of ten names which comes forward and they are each presented a framed certificate with loving recognition for their HIV/AIDS activism or fundraising. A special event for the names selected. In short, the awards are very important to the individuals who receive them, and the community who proudly share the honour. To those who are chosen – the awards mean a great deal as they come from peers and friends who share the same passion and commitment. It is validating their work and reminding us all that efforts within our community are strong, are focused and remain essential.
This quiet evening was held at the handsome and intimate second floor lounge, Erotico, in the Toronto Church Street Village. I found it a well-attended event and certainly those present showed high regard for their fellow peers. As the list of names was read one-by-one throughout the course of the evening the mood was radiant, fun and entertaining due to the fabulous hosting of Jade Elektra & Amanda Roberts, with great sounds by DJ Knight Muzik.
Two recipients of the PozTO Awards this year are volunteers from PWA: Serge Veilleux and Ray LoVe.
It’s their quiet volunteering, in many cases, that holds the high esteem of many well-wishers and many supporters. They don’t ask for anything. They don’t charge money for anything. They just want to give their time. And they go beyond the measure of what is required. That is a very good thing in today’s world.
It’s their dedication day after day, and hundreds of hours throughout the year with strong leadership and incredible efforts which are noticed and appreciated. It’s not easy to continue such a high drive. However, each finds great depth in their hearts and always have those extra hours to give more.
“I would like to thank the people at PWA who put my name forward for this award. I was surprised and touched when I heard that I was one of the nominees for a 2016 POZTO Award. I never expected any kind of formal recognition. Helping when and where I can, doing my best to make a positive difference in our clients’ lives makes a positive difference in my life. So, I already feel very fortunate to have PWA in my life. However, receiving this nomination is awfully nice. So, thank you POZTO and to PWA.” Serge Veilleux
“The value I get from volunteering at PWA and participating in the Bike Rally as a member of food crew is reward enough. It’s a blessing to be recognized for fighting stigma that people with HIV face, because I know their struggles and see them as the beautiful, resilient spirits they are.” Ray LoVe
The event was a fundraiser for the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation. This year the 4th Annual POZ-TO Awards were presented by Relentless Entertainment, Pozplanet,OUTNPOZ, George Pratt & PinkPlayMags to celebrate and honor local heroes for their HIV/AIDS activism or fundraising.
2016 HONOREES
Antoine Elhashem, Brian Finch, George Pratt, James Forbes, Kerolos Saleib, Mark Hammann, Mazet Mncwango, Randy Spearhead, Ray Love, Serge Veilleux
Written by Philip Dawson for PWA