WORLD AIDS DAY DECEMBER 1: NATIONAL CONCERTS IN TORONTO, MONTREAL, VANCOUVER

"Voices of Hope" - Toronto's Casey House urges Canadian awareness and elimination of barriers to HIV care

TORONTO, Nov. 24 /CNW/ - On Wednesday, 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 here in Canada.

Today, one in 120 adult Torontonians is HIV-positive, 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.

WHAT: Casey House's "Voices of Hope" concert for World AIDS Day
WHEN: Wednesday, December 1, 2010
WHERE: Metropolitan United Church, 56 Queen St. E (at Church)
TIME: Doors open 6:30 pm, with concert 7 pm - 8:15 pm, followed by outdoor candle ceremony
COST: FREE, with $20 suggested donation to Casey House

Joining the World AIDS Day Campaign theme of "Light for Rights," the bell tower of Metropolitan United Church will be illuminated by a large red AIDS ribbon light. One of Canada's largest carillons will ring out, urging Torontonians to join the call for universal access to HIV/AIDS treatment.

Hosted by CBC Radio2's Tom Allen and Rev. Dr. John Joseph Mastandrea, the evening will feature performances by pop a capella legends The Nylons, cabaret chanteuse Jean Stilwell, pyrotechnic electric violinist Dr. Draw, Forte - The Toronto Men's Chorus, drag performer Christian Jeffries, The St. Michael Catholic School Choir, Aboriginal drummer Amber O'Hara, pianist Douglas Rice, The Regent Park School of Music, and legal chorus Bar & Bench Choir.

Quilts created in memory of the people who have passed away at Casey House since its 1988 founding will drape the church interior, as will an exhibit of photography created by clients of Casey House. After the concert, attendees are encouraged to 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 nationally 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.

About Casey House:
Founded in 1988, Casey House is a specialty hospital with community programming including home care and outreach programs. Our mission is to provide exemplary care, treatment and support for people affected by HIV/AIDS, in collaboration with our communities. www.caseyhouse.com

National Sponsors: M.A.C AIDS Fund, Gilead, Viiv Healthcare, The Globe and Mail
National Supporter: Merck
Local Sponsors: Winners, The New Classical 96.3FM

For further information:

Kathleen Sandusky, Communications Specialist, Casey House,
416-894-0238 (cell) / [email protected]