1. Giving
Thanks: A note from your friends at TIHAN
In the midst of another busy day of work--the many people and details and programs and
meetings that it takes to keep TIHAN operating, I want to take a moment to offer our
thanks to you for your support of the Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network and people living
with and affected by HIV/AIDS.
This Sunday is World AIDS Day, marking the 21st year of the AIDS pandemic. World AIDS Day
is also the occasion of the 8th anniversary of the public debut of this remarkable
group of individuals and congregations that we call TIHAN. Because of your generous
offering of your time, talents, and treasures, TIHAN has been able to be part of the
community effort to provide prevention education to thousands of people, and to provide
direct compassionate support to hundreds of people living with HIV. This amazing
volunteer network has been able to make a tremendous impact in the lives of many people,
with a minimum of expense. I take pride in counting you as friend, supporter, and
participant in this work of healing, hope, and
compassion.
While the scope of the work that needs to be done is still daunting, I am reminded by the
National Minority AIDS Council to be grateful for many things:
--for the individuals who commit their lives to fighting this pandemic
--for the people living with the virus who fight for their lives, and our lives
--for those who confront oppression and injustice, and fight back
--for the doctors, nurses, and healthcare providers who take good care of our friends
--for the scientists who are looking for better treatments, and a cure
--for the donors who continue to fund AIDS, even when it isn't trendy
--for the congregations and people of faith who work for justice and compassion
--for the staff in AIDS service organizations and social service agencies working with
love
--for the volunteers who give so generously to make a difference
Blessings to you, and thanks for giving of yourself in so many ways.
--Scott Blades, on behalf of the staff, volunteers, and CarePartners of
TIHAN
2. World AIDS Day 2002 - This Sunday, December 1
What is it like to live with HIV/AIDS? What kinds of stigma and
discrimination does someone living with HIV experience?
Could you look me in the eye if you knew that I had HIV? What would you say if you
found out that your co-worker had HIV? What if it was your mother or father, son or
daughter, clergy, best friend, or a casual acquaintance?
Join us for a special community forum for World AIDS Day this Sunday, December 1 at 5:00pm
in the Armory Park Center, 220 South 5th Avenue. The forum will focus on the sometimes
subtle, sometimes overt, discrimination often faced by people living with HIV/AIDS and
their caregivers. Listen as local community members share their personal stories and
find out about local programs and services that are working on addressing the stigma that
is still too often associated with HIV/AIDS. There will also be a display of this
year's Tucson AIDS Remembrance Quilt.
This event is free and open to the public, with free parking and refreshments. A community
effort organized by the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF), the Tucson Interfaith
HIV/AIDS Network (TIHAN), and Wingspan.
For more information, contact Scott at 299-6647 or Mike at 628-7223.
3. The "Giving Together" Holiday Collaborative Celebration -
Donations and Volunteers Needed.
We are pleased to announce that the Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network (TIHAN), the
Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF), and Casa Gloriosa are joining together to
brighten the season of giving for people living with HIV in the Tucson Community.
Volunteers and donations of items are urgently needed as noted below.
This collaboration will involve two components:
a) A "Family Shopping Extravaganza" for families living with HIV.
On the morning of Saturday, December 14, there will be a party for families that have a
parent and/or child who is living with HIV. Upon arriving at the site (Christian
Faith Center, located at 222 East 5th Street), parents and children will be able to shop
for each other by selecting from among the
many gift items that have been donated for this event, then join Santa and others for some
holiday treats!
We need volunteers to help for two or three hours on the morning of December 14 with the
following areas: room decorating, gift wrapping, craft projects, snacks, room setup,
and cleanup. We also need donations of the following items for the party:
table cloths, paper plates, napkins, cold
cups, hot cups, holiday cookies, Polaroid film, holiday wrapping supplies, gift bags, and
new holiday decorations. Call 299-6647 if you can volunteer or donate needed items.
and
b) "Giving Together Holiday Party!"
On Saturday, January 4, all people living with HIV and volunteers affiliated with the
three agencies will be celebrated with a buffet dinner and dancing in a fun, social
atmosphere. The party event will take place from 5:30-9:30pm at The Elks Lodge #385,
located at 2404 East River Road (two blocks east of Campbell Avenue). Limited
childcare and transportation may be available by request only. RSVP by December 30
to 299-6647.
|
