BC PWA’s AccolAIDS Event Honours the Passion

 “What do you want to be remembered for?”
“Kindness.”

So answered wacky, over the top comedienne Phyllis Diller to interviewer Jian Ghomeshi earlier this week on CBC radio. I came in late on the broadcast, but I caught that gem at the end, simply and gently stated.

I first saw Phyllis Diller when I was a kid- her wild hair, long cigarette holder, and her raucous laughter that was often at herself. That vivid persona has stuck with me. When I heard her say she wants to be remembered for kindness, it was a lovely comment on what matters.

BC Persons with AIDS Society’s upcoming AccolAIDS is more than a comment on what matters, it’s an awards evening that honours volunteers, paid staff, visionaries, activists and consistent supportive voices who work on behalf of people living with HIV.

There are several different categories of awards, and people nominate their favourites to win. Kinda like the AIDS Oscars, if you will. I went for my first time last year, and had a great time seeing folks I work with but rarely get to relax with. I found it an amazing evening- the emotion and generousity in the room was moving.

It’s not only an opportunity to reflect on the heart and soul that pours into this community, it’s a fundraiser to support programs at BC PWA. – programs that make huge differences in peoples’ lives. Programs that help people to battle the daily stigma of living with HIV and take care of themselves so they may live lives as full as possible.

I have some folks  I’m rooting for to win, but to use the corny phrase, all the nominees are winners. They’ve all been singled out with respect buy their peers for their dedication to this work. Singled out to be remembered for their work, whether it’s advocating with politicians, working one-to-one with the newly diagnosed, or hundreds of other tasks.   I’ll be  lucky enough to be at the event on April 18 (note to self:  find something to wear) and hope you might consider it too. It’s a good time and a great cause. For more information go to BC PWA’s website and click on AccolAIDS.

- Janet

This was posted on Thursday, March 25th, 2010 at 9:11 am and is filed under News, Special Events . Feel free to respond, or trackback. Read our comments policy.

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