MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

April 2007

The AIDS Committee of Simcoe County is a charitable organization which was incorporated in October 1995. The organization has a catchment area that stretches from Bradford in the south to Parry Sound in the north, and borders the communities around Lake Simcoe to the east and the Collingwood area to the west. Located in Barrie - one of the fastest growing communities in Canada -, the A.C.S.C. services a population of over 600,000.

The AIDS Committee of Simcoe County's mission statement is threefold:

1. The purpose of the committee is to provide public information and to publish HIV/AIDS information to the specific community most affected by HIV/AIDS.
2. To co-ordinate medical care and social services for persons who have acquired HIV, their partners, individuals who are at risk of acquiring HIV, and those who are affected by HIV.
3. To provide financial resources to HIV positive individuals and those individuals with AIDS for transportation to and from medical appointments, for food vouchers, for assistance with housing needs that meet the criteria of the Positive Action fund.

The delivery of Programmes and Services is partially funded by the Province of Ontario (MOHLTC) and by Charity Bingo, and with fund-raising dollars raised throughout the fiscal year. The A.C.S.C. currently hosts 4 Signature Events:

1. Cut a Thon
2. A Taste for Life
3. Walk for Life
4. Barrie Cares

The organization requires funding from between $35,000 to $50,000 per annum to maintain the delivery of Programmes and Services. It also requires an increase in staff from 1 person in 2006 to 2 - 3 persons in 2007/2008. As a result of these pressing needs, fund-raising efforts have become a very integral part of the organizations Strategic and Programme Plans.

On behalf of the AIDS Committee of Simcoe County

Gerry L. Croteau, CHE - Executive Director