August 23, 2010
Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life Showcased

L-R ACNBA Executive Director, Stacey Mayhall, HIV/AIDS Educator, Dennis Chippa, Office Administrator, Caitlin Don and volunteer Sami-Jo Titmuss were on hand for the Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life promotional event at Northgate Shopping Centre August 22, 2010. ACNBA staff and volunteers got the word out about the event, collected pledges and donations and enjoyed many opportunities to speak with area residents about the fundraiser. More pictures here.

ACNBA staff and volunteers were at the Northgate Shopping Centre this past weekend showcasing the Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life, generating interest in the event and collecting pledges and donations. This year's fundraiser is featuring a free BBQ, silent auction and a live band.

A lot of work and preparation is going into the event including a big marketing push, which is one of the reasons behind the weekend display at Northgate. A huge banner promoting the Walk can be seen in the windows leading to Walmart.

The event kicks off September 11, with registration starting at noon and the actual walk commencing at 1:00. Pledges, donations or registering walk teams can all be done by clicking here.
KST

July 26, 2010
ACNBA Staff Assists North Bay Food Bank

L-R Women's HIV/AIDS Coordinator Kathleen Jodouin, Office Administrator, Catlin Don, HIV/AIDS Education Coordinator, Dennis Chippa and Support Services Coordinator, Steve Lamb stand behind the collection of food items donated by ACNBA staff slated for the North Bay Food Bank.

It's said that charity starts at home. Staff at ACNBA took that saying to heart with its recent, in-house, mini food drive. About 125 pounds of food were donated by staff, volunteers and placement students. Individuals brought in cans, jars and boxes of non-perishable food over a three week period to give the North Bay Food Bank a little help with its ongoing need for food.

Food drive organizer, Kathleen Jodouin, says the effort is just an example of the teamwork and care that is always in evidence at ACNBA.

"Everyone jumped in on this, knowing that it will provide some nourishment and assistance for someone in need in the city. It's basically what we do here, helping others as best we can."
KST

June 18, 2010
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Day Sales Success!

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts start selling as soon as ACNBA sets up at North Bay City Hall June 17th. Support Services Coordinator, Steve Lamb (top left) Women's HIV Educator, Kathleen Jodouin and volunteer Billy Clarkson(lower right) take care of the first customer of the morning. Click here for more event pictures.

850 dozen Krispy Kreme Doughnuts came and went Thursday at North Bay City Hall, during ACNBA's fourth annual Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Day fundraiser. It was the most successful Krispy Kreme sales for ACNBA to date. Staff and volunteers made sure that all the pre-ordered doughnuts made their way to their buyers, including customers who qualified for delivery by purchasing five dozen or more. Even U-Need-A-Cab owner, John Strang and one of his drivers jumped in making deliveries.

Event coordinator, Kathleen Jodouin says people were still asking for doughnuts after the supply driven up from Krispy Kreme's outlet in Mississauga that morning by Communications Coordinator, Kirk Titmuss, were completely sold.

"We may be ordering 1,000 boxes for next year's fundraiser if the success of this year's event is any indication," Jodouin smiled.

ACNBA raised nearly $3,500 from the day's doughnut sales. All money raised will be put towards funding the agency's client services.
KST

May 20, 2010
World Hepatitis Day Marked at ACNBA

Preparations for World Hepatitis Day at ACNBA included the stuffing of envelopes with invitations and unique, liver-shaped cookies made especially for the day by North Bay's the Swiss Pastry Chef. Top left, Hep C Program Coordinator, Shannon Palmer along with HIV Education Coordinators, Dennis Chippa (middle) and Kathleen Jodouin (right) label and package. Bottom left, a close-up of a "liver" cookie, like the one (bottom right) being held by Jodouin.

About 20 Hepatitis C clients attended ACNBA's first World Hepatitis Day celebrations and survey launch held at the agency office May 19th. It was the perfect opportunity for Hepatitis C Program Coordinator, Shannon Palmer to distribute the printed version of the "Report on the Hepatitis C Education and Support Program Survey" conducted by Palmer and several volunteers in late 2009. (See February 5th story below)

Many of the Hep C clients at the event had participated in the survey, which was developed to determine their programming needs and requirements.  "Liver-friendly" refreshments were served as clients and ACNBA staff examined the survey and shared stories. Palmer says it was rewarding experience.

"It was nice to meet with the participants and share the results of the survey with them."

The theme for this year's World Hepatitis Day was "Am I Number 12?" a reference to the fact that 1 in 12 people world-wide are infected with chronic Hep B or C. In Canada about 250,000 people are chronically infected with Hep C alone. About a quarter of them are not aware of their infection. About 85% of intravenous drug users are co-infected with HIV and Hep C.
KST

April 28, 2010
A Taste for Life Serves Up Support

AIDS Committee of North Bay & Area's simian mascot, Herbert the HIV Sock Monkey, proved to be a popular dinner guest for A Taste for Life as he made the rounds of the restaurants sponsoring ACNBA's fundraising event. Here he poses for his close-up at 100 Georges, one of five North Bay eateries serving up delicious fare and contributing to the cause. More pictures on our Facebook wall.

Great food, a wonderful time and a worthy cause. A winning recipe for ACNBA's third annual A Taste for Life fund raiser.  About 200 people booked tables at 100 Georges, The White Owl Bistro, Cecil's Eatery & Beer Society, Joso's and Average Joe's, the five restaurants participating in the evening event. TFL coordinator, Kathleen Jodouin says everyone had a terrific time and helped generate thousands of dollars in donations.

"The response to this year's TFL was amazing! In diners' donations alone we raised just over $2,000. We're excited to see what the restaurants have for us."

The participating restaurants are donating 25% of the evening's receipts to ACNBA. All funds will go to the clients' services programs.

Jodouin says A Taste For Life could possibly expand next year with the addition of one or two more restaurants. She adds that A Taste for Life is a win-win deal for everyone.

"The participating restaurants tell us they really enjoy the extra business for what's usually a slow, spring Wednesday night and in turn they help us raise much needed funding for our clients," she explained. "Of course the patrons get a great meal, a fun night out in the middle of the week and the knowledge that they've helped out a worthy cause."

For more information on A Taste for Life go to www.atasteforlife.org
KST

March 26, 2010
Dragging for Dollars!

Lads N' Lashes performer Robin Loren channels rock star Pink during the drag troupe's annual fund raising performance for the AIDS Committee of North Bay & Area at Cecil's Eatery and Beer Society.

Another raucous full house for the annual Lads N' Lashes drag show held March 26th at Cecil's Eatery and Beer Society. This year marked the Toronto based drag troupe's 11th appearance in North Bay raising funds for the AIDS Committee of North Bay & Area.

Performers, Robin Loren, Georgie Girl and Miss Conception kept the crowd laughing with edgy jokes and colourful banter in between brilliant musical numbers as Cher, Pink, Barbara Streisand, Liza Minelli, Lady Gaga, Celine Dion among others.

Loren told the audience how much she enjoyed playing North Bay, calling it her favourite gig. She is the only Lads performer who has been at all 11 fundraising shows in the Gateway City.

Event organizer and ACNBA Support Services Coordinator, Steve Lamb says both the performers and the over 250 people in attendance had a great time, which resulted in a donation total of $5,200 to ACNBA's client services program.

The Lads N' Lashes show is slated to return March 2011.
KST

Nipissing University Social Welfare students listen as Chris Wyness describes his experiences volunteering with the AIDS Committee of North Bay & Area.

March 25, 2010
Placement Student Grateful For Time at ACNBA

Nipissing University Social Welfare student Chris Wyness says his experience working with the AIDS Committee of North Bay & Area is something he won't soon forget.

He made the comment while addressing Professor Wendy Young's  Social Welfare class March 25th about his time volunteering at ACNBA. About 20 students and representatives from other North Bay agencies were on hand for the afternoon of presentations.

Wyness spent many days with the agency over a period of about five months, observing the daily operations, learning the programs and working with the people behind the scenes.

He assisted in a number of agency events and programs including HIV Education presentations, health fairs and fund raisers. Chris says working with an AIDS agency is definitely something he's interested in pursuing in the future.
KST

Top; ACNBA Women and HIV/AIDS Coordinator Kathleen Jodouin chats with Nipissing University's Women's Centre/Nipissing PRIDE executive member, Bonnie Talbot at the PRIDE booth. Four city agencies which assist women were on hand with displays and staff.

Bottom; North Bay Mayor Vic Fedeli examines some of the information available at the Amelia Rising booth as Volunteer Coordinator, Meghan Trussler (right) and volunteer Kellie Gillard (left) look on. He was one of the visitors to ACNBA's International Women's Day held at the agency office.

March 9, 2010
ACNBA Celebrates International Women's Day

The AIDS Committee of North Bay & Area opened its doors to celebrate International Women's Day, March 8th, 2010. It marked the first time for what will become an annual event for ACNBA. Representatives from Amelia Rising, the Transition House, Women's Centre/Nipissing Pride and the Crisis Centre Community Transitional Housing Program were on hand to participate in the event.

"It was a valuable opportunity for all the agencies involved to share the good work they do for women in the North Bay area," said Women and HIV/AIDS Coordinator, Kathleen Jodouin.

She plans on expanding ACNBA's International Women's Day activities next year.
KST

Hep C Nurse Clinician, Keri McGuire-Trahan, ACNBA Hep C Program Coordinator Shannon Elissa Palmer and Hep C Survey Program staffer Dave Claudio make up the survey team that spoke with 100 respondents to ACNBA's Hep C Education and Support Program Survey. The information gleaned will help shape future programming for persons infected with Hep C in the North Bay region.

February 5, 2010
High Hopes for Hepatitis C Survey Results

ACNBA is crunching the data from the recently wrapped Hepatitis C Education and Support Program Survey.  Starting in October 2009, a survey team made up of Hepatitis C Program Coordinator, Shannon Elissa Palmer, staffers David Claudio and Stephani Hodgins spoke with 100 people including health care professionals, community agency service providers and people infected and affected by the Hep C virus (HCV) across ACNBA's wide catchment area.

Hep C surveyor David Claudio goes over survey findings with ACNBA's Hep C Program Coordinator Shannon Elissa Palmer.

Survey partners included Hepatitis C Nurse, Keri McGuire -Trehan, the Nipissing Detox and Substance Abuse Program, the North Bay Jail and the North Bay, Parry Sound District Health Unit.

Those infected with HCV were asked about their experiences with diagnosis, treatment and community support. Many were very pleased to be able to share their history with the survey team. As a result the survey catalogued a range of valuable, anecdotal information including people's experiences with co-infection, stigma and accessing support.

Hep C Program and survey coordinator, Shannon Elissa Palmer, says she found the survey a unique and at times moving experience.

"It was very rewarding to meet people face to face and hear about their experiences with their Hep C infection. By sharing what they're going through it gives them a voice and will hopefully lead to programming that will better meet their needs."

All this material will be used to create a final report which will produce recommendations for the creation of Hepatitis C programs and services which are expected to be delivered through ACNBA early in 2010.  For more information contact Shannon at 497-3560 ext. 201 or shannonelissapalmer@gmail.com
KST

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January 29, 2010
Welcome Aboard for Women and HIV/AIDS Prevention Coordinator

ACNBA's new Women and HIV/AIDS Prevention Coordinator, Kathleen Jodouin, Nipissing MPP Monique Smith and  ACNBA Executive Director, Stacey Mayhall are on hand for the media launch of the Women and HIV/AIDS Prevention program.

Nipissing MPP, Monique Smith officially announced the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care's funding for the new women's HIV prevention program for the AIDS Committee of North Bay & Area at the agency's office in downtown North Bay. ACNBA is one of 15 provincial AIDS agencies to receive the funding which is targeting the growing number of women in Ontario who are at risk for HIV infection.

MPP Smith and ACNBA Executive Director, Stacey Mayhall welcomed the program's new coordinator, Kathleen Jodouin to the post. Mayhall says women infected with HIV face unique challenges, are highly stigmatized and are reluctant to access the resources available to them as a result. The new program will focus on providing women-sensitive support and information.
KST

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January 25, 2010
HIV/AIDS Services For Women

Women and HIV/AIDS Coordinator, Kathleen Jodouin is heading up the new Women and HIV Prevention program at ACNBA.

Client services at the AIDS Committee of North Bay & Area have expanded thanks to a new provincial initiative; Women and HIV Prevention. North Bay is one of 15 provincial AIDS agencies that have been selected to provide the service.

Kathleen Jodouin, ACNBA's new Women and HIV/AIDS Coordinator says the service will address the need to engage women who represent a large segment of new HIV cases in Ontario.

"Each year in Ontario, approximately 300 women test positive for HIV. About 15% of the total number of Ontarians diagnosed with HIV are female, and women now make up an increasingly large proportion of new HIV cases in Ontario: 23 to 25% in 2007 and 2008," explains Kathleen.

She'll be providing educational presentations on HIV/AIDS and related issues including harm reduction materials including male and female condoms to women throughout the North Bay catchment area which is bounded by Kirkland Lake, Mattawa, Huntsville and West Nipissing.

Kathleen can be contacted for more information at 497-3560 ext. 207 or at jodouink@gmail.com
KST

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December 7, 2009
Red Ribbon Auction A Bid Winner
A big and enthusiastic turnout for ACNBA's annual Red Ribbon Auction held at the Elk's Lodge in North Bay, Saturday evening.  About 80 locals put their money down on the wide range of unique and valuable items offered up at the event, which provided a great opportunity to pad Christmas gift lists. Additional support came from mayor Vic Fedeli and wife Patty, MP Anthony Rota and MPP Monique Smith.

This year's theme was "Sign Me Up" a nod to the many items signed by their celebrity donors. Four bidding time slots kept the event moving and generated some good natured bidding battles.

It's estimated the 67 items generously donated to the Red Ribbon Auction raised well over $5,000 which will be used to fund ACNBA's client services programs, assisting those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.
KST