Voices of Hope/Voix D'Espoir for World AIDS Day Dec 1: Free Toronto concert
organized by Casey House

Calling for Canadian awareness of HIV/AIDS and elimination of barriers to care

TORONTO , Nov. 23 /CNW/ - On Tuesday, December 1 (International World AIDS Day), Casey House will once again host Toronto's "Voices of Hope", one of three nationally coordinated concerts calling for increased awareness of the ongoing crisis of HIV/AIDS around the world and here in Canada .

Echoing UNAIDS's call for universal access to HIV care and human rights, Toronto's concert will urge Canada and the world to "throw open the doors to care". One in 128 adult Torontonians is expected to be HIV positive by 2012, facing ongoing stigma and barriers to care due to HIV status or because of poverty, isolation, addictions, mental illness, gender, sexual orientation or country of origin.

Once again hosted at the historic Metropolitan United Church, the concert will be heralded by one of Canada's largest carillons, with the bell tower lit by an illuminated AIDS ribbon. Hosted by CBC's Tom Allen and Rev. John Joseph Mastandrea , the evening will feature a premiere performance of a very special work by electric violinist Dr. Draw . Other performers on the bill include jazz crooner Julie Michaels , men's chorus Forte, the Toronto Jazz Chorus and the Muhtadi World Drummers. Quilts created in memory of the people who have passed away at Casey House over its 21 years will drape the church interior, as will artwork created by current residents. After the concert, please linger for a candlelight carillon concert and hot cider in the courtyard.

    
    WHAT:           Casey House's "Voices of Hope" concert for World AIDS Day
    WHEN:           Tuesday, December 1, 2009
    WHERE:          Metropolitan United Church, 56 Queen St. E (at Church)
    TIME:           7 pm - 8:15 pm, followed by outdoor candle ceremony
    COST:           FREE, with donations to Casey House gratefully accepted
    FOR MORE INFO:  www.caseyhouse.com
    

About Voices of Hope/Voix D'Espoir for World AIDS Day: Launched in 2008 collaboratively by Casey House ( Toronto ), Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation ( Vancouver ) and La Maison du Parc (Montréal), "Voices of Hope/Voix D'Espoir" is a trio of national 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.

About Casey House: Casey House is a specialty hospital providing inpatient care and community programs for people living with HIV/AIDS. Our mission: To provide exemplary care, treatment and support for people affected by HIV/AIDS, in collaboration with our communities. www.caseyhouse.com

For further information: or to request an interview: Kathleen Sandusky, Communications Specialist, Casey House, [phone] (cell), [email protected]