Acting together !
Dear reader,
Relying on public funding and grants from private foundations, community organizations live with the constant risk of losing the funds that allow them to continue their work on the front lines.
Like several other organizations throughout Canada, the Maison d’Hérelle, a Montreal member of the Fondation québécoise du sida, saw those fears realized last year. One of its oldest donors, Centraide, withdrew its contribution, which made up 16% of the organization’s total budget.
It was in response to this type financial uncertainty that the Fondation québécoise du sida and its regular donors program were created. The commitment that each of you makes helps to mitigate this reality and ensure that organizations can continue their work. This is also the goal of our two permanent staff, Christian and Gerald, as they work each day to maintain our link and human relationship with you. Our small but devoted team of volunteers who are always willing to help with organizational tasks, as well as the members of the
Board of Directors and the director of the foundation, who are also all volunteers, also share this vision of a strong community fabric in which non-profit organizations have played an essential role for decades. We are joined in this commitment by our crucial outside partners, such as our graphic designer, whose gift of time and labour ensures that our organizations on the ground benefit from the largest possible share of the funds collected.
Your role in the fight against HIV is crucial. And beyond the merits of the cause, your commitment to the Fondation québécoise du sida bears witness to your constant involvement in the life of the community and your support with the challenges it must continually face.
Thank you for being a part of the human endeavour of the Fondation québécoise du sida!
Terry Pigeon
President
TAKE ACTION AND GIVE!
Thanks for your solidarity!
“Until about a year ago, I’d never heard of the Fondation québécoise du sida. But when your representative spoke to me in the street, I really enjoyed the face to face sharing of information and awareness. The young woman who talked with me was well-informed and, most of all, was just as concerned by HIV/AIDS as I am! I also think solidarity for Africans in fighting the epidemic is important. So I signed up as a regular donor. My donation is small, but I know that a little bit month after month, year after year, adds up!”
□ Anaïs, 24 years old, donor since August 2009.
TO BECOME A DONOR
VOLUNTEER ACTIVITES
Fqsida volunteers actively participate in the battle against HIV/AIDS, by providing support to the administrative team in its daily tasks.
Giving your time is another way to support Fqsida!
“I’ve been involved as a volunteer with community organizations fighting HIV/AIDS for several years now. Last fall, I heard about the Fondation québécoise du sida and its needs for volunteers, especially for clerical tasks such as data capture, filing, and mailing. That’s how I support the Fondation, by using my skills and a few hours of my time.
I participate as a volunteer in organizations to help them, of course, but it also helps me. I know that my work contributes to a cause that is very dear to me, and that my skills are useful. And that’s what counts the most for me!”
Diane, 65 years old, a volunteer with Fqsida since October 2009.
The participation of volunteers like Diane in the day-to-day work of the small team of the Fondation québécoise du sida is essential. It is notably through this valuable support that it is possible to offer quality service to our donors. Thank you Diane! And thanks to all the volunteers!
To become a volunteer: info@fqsida.org or call 514 842 4004
THE ROBIN HOOD TAX : acting together for scaled up prevention and universal access to care
Coalition PLUS and Fqsida are promoting the international campaign for the Robin Hood Tax, a micro tax on all financial transactions that could play an important role in financing various efforts in the fight to end to the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Today, only 2 out of every 5 people newly infected with HIV/AIDS will receive treatment. Treatment and care for every person living with HIV would cost $10 billion more per year. Experts* say that a tax of only 0.01% on financial transactions worldwide could raise 200 to 300 billion dollars! This would be more than enough to ensure universal access to testing and treatment.
*Report of experts on the Leading Group on Innovative Financing for Development: http://leadinggroup.org/IMG/pdf_Financement_innovants_web_def.pdf