Voices Of Hope / Voix d'Espoir: Toronto concert for World Aids Day December 1

Toronto's Casey House joins with Vancouver & Montreal HIV/AIDS care centres calling for increased awareness of ongoing HIV/AIDS crisis in Canada and worldwide

TORONTO, Nov. 23, 2012 /CNW/ - On Saturday, December 1 (International World AIDS Day), Casey House will host Voices of Hope, one of three national concerts calling for increased awareness of the ongoing crisis of HIV/AIDS around the world and in Canada.

WHAT:	Casey House's "Voices of Hope" concert for World AIDS Day
WHEN:	Saturday, December 1, 2012
WHERE:	Metropolitan United Church, 56 Queen St. E (at Church St.)
TIME:	Doors open 3:30 pm, with concert 4 pm - 5:30 pm, followed by outdoor candle ceremony and cider
COST:	$20 suggested admission, with donations to Casey House gratefully accepted
INFO:	www.caseyhouse.com

The bell tower of Metropolitan United Church will be illuminated by a large red AIDS ribbon. One of Canada's largest carillons will ring out in song, urging Torontonians to join us in remembering the millions of precious lives lost to HIV/AIDS, and to demonstrate support for the many who continue to struggle with the disease around the world and right here in Toronto.

Today, one in 120 adult Torontonians is HIV-positive, and more than 500 people in Toronto are newly infected each year, with health care needs that will escalate as they grow older with the disease. Responding to this continually increasing need, Casey House recently announced plans to more than double its capacity to provide health care, with a new and larger facility planned for the intersection of Jarvis and Isabella Streets.

Presented by MˑAˑC AIDS Fund and hosted by comedian Gavin Crawford, the Voices of Hope concert will feature performances by celebrated electric violinist Dr. Draw, drag performer Christian Jeffries, soprano comedienne Mary Lou Fallis with Peter Tiefenbach, Jarvis Collegiate Senior Vocal Ensemble, Aboriginal singer/drummer Aqua and pianists Arnold Tirzits and David Warrack. After the concert, linger for a candlelight carillon concert and hot cider in the courtyard.

ABOUT VOICES OF HOPE / VOIX D'ESPOIR FOR WORLD AIDS DAY:
Launched in 2008 by Toronto's Casey House in collaboration with Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation (Vancouver) and La Maison du Parc (Montréal), "Voices of Hope / Voix D'Espoir" is a trio of national collaborative concerts honouring lives lost to AIDS, and calling for increased support and dignity for all people who experience ongoing stigma and marginalization because of their disease.

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS:
National Presenting Sponsor: M.A.C AIDS Fund | National Sponsors: ViiV Healthcare, Merck, Gilead, TELUS, Franklin Templeton Investments | Local Sponsors: Winners, The New Classical 96.3FM, ProudFM 103.9, Loblaws at Maple Leaf Gardens.

About Casey House - Founded in 1988, Casey House was the first freestanding HIV/AIDS facility In Canada. Today we are a specialty HIV/AIDS hospital offering home care and outreach programs. Our commitment is to provide compassionate, exemplary health care to people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, in collaboration with our communities. www.caseyhouse.com

 

 

SOURCE: Casey House Foundation

Kathleen Sandusky, Communications Specialist, Casey House
416-434-7763 (cell) / [email protected]