Toronto (August 3, 2010) – The Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP) is moving into a brand new 6,500 square foot space at 20 Victoria Street (King and Victoria). For the past two years, the non-profit organization has been planning and raising the $275,000 in funds that it requires for the new space. To date, Black CAP has raised 70% of the required funds and is just $75,000 short of its goal and is appealing to the businesses and everyday citizens of The City of Toronto to help them cross the finish line before moving into their new home this September 2010.
“Black CAP’s new space requires significant capital upgrades and a significant investment of our resources,” says Angela Robertson, Board Chair for Black CAP. The total budget for this capital expansion is $275,000 which includes all construction, furniture, planning and design costs. To date, Black CAP has raised $200,000 through government and foundation funding.
“We are now extremely close to providing a space that will change and save hundreds of lives in our community,” adds Robertson. “We’ve already raised 70% of our goal and we are reaching out to the community to help get us across the finish line.” This building campaign requires donations both large and small from corporate donors and individuals. “We are asking businesses and everyday citizens to please consider making a contribution to Black CAP and help us achieve our goals. You can make a one-time gift, a multi-year pledge, or convenient monthly payments.” Black CAP is a registered charity and issues tax receipts for gifts above $20. Donations to Black CAP can be made online by visiting www.blackcap.ca
Black CAP has outgrown its current home at 110 Spadina Avenue and will be moving from a 3,000 square foot space into a 6,500 square foot space at 20 Victoria Street at King. “We have many goals for this new space,” says Shannon Thomas Ryan, Black CAP’s Executive Director. “Our primary goal is to create a community drop-in space for Black, African and Caribbean people living with HIV/AIDS.” The drop-in will provide space for additional programming and services for clients, access to computers and telephones for employment searches and communication, access to a clothing bank, and other supports. The new location will also provide space that will allow Black CAP to hold community meetings and conduct educational workshops, support groups, and provide a space for volunteer training. “We will also create much needed counseling rooms for one-on-one sessions with clients, a welcoming reception area, and adequate space for our staff to complete their important work.”
The Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention is a 20-year-old organization focused on reducing the spread of HIV infection within Toronto’s Black, African and Caribbean communities and enhancing the quality of life of people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. “The impact of HIV/AIDS in Toronto’s Black communities has changed significantly and HIV infections continue to increase dramatically,” adds Ryan. “While Black, African and Caribbean people make up less than 10% of Toronto’s population we account for more than 20% of new HIV infections. In fact, rates of HIV infection in our community have more than doubled since 2000.”
To meet its mission, Black CAP provides financial, emotional and community support to people living with HIV/AIDS. The organization delivers a range of services including: prevention, health promotion and outreach, as well as support and counselling for people at risk for, affected by, or living with, HIV/AIDS. “We see more than 120 new clients who are living with HIV/AIDS every year who require support to ensure they live healthy lives,” says Ryan.” Black CAP’s programs include: counselling, settlement, services for the newly diagnosed and long-term survivors, and programming for youth living with HIV; emergency financial assistance for clients living in poverty, practical support such as access to food and clothing, hospital and home visits; and client advocacy.
“We work to create inclusive spaces for people living with HIV/AIDS, immigrants and refugees, as well as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transsexual members of our community,” adds Ryan.
“As part of our outreach initiatives, we distribute tens of thousands of condoms and conduct workshops to more than 1,000 members of our community every year, helping people to reduce their risk for acquiring HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.” In fact, Black CAP participated in the July 31st Scotiabank Caribana Festival Parade, where staff and volunteers handed out 100,000 condoms.
“As part of our outreach initiatives, we distribute tens of thousands of condoms and conduct workshops to more than 1,000 members of our community every year, helping people to reduce their risk for acquiring HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.” In fact, Black CAP participated in the July 31st Scotiabank Caribana Festival Parade, where staff and volunteers handed out 100,000 condoms.
To learn more about the Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention and /or to make a donation, please visit www.blackcap.ca. Follow Black CAP online on facebook or on Twitter at @blackCAPTO. Donations to Black CAP can be made online by visiting: www.blackcap.ca.
For more information, interview requests with Angela Robertson or Shannon Thomas Ryan
or to receive photos of the unfinished new space, please contact:
Jefferson Darrell, 416-357-0234, JDA@JeffersonDarrell.com
or
Tiffany Ford, 647-297-3148, tiffany@fordpublicity.com
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