Dear Friends of the Dr. Peter Centre,

As World AIDS Day approaches, I am pleased to share with you an update from the Dr. Peter Centre’s first international venture. It has the potential to produce both international and local advances in AIDS care.

From September 10-17th, I was a guest of the Shanghai Administrative Institute at a symposium entitled ‘Promoting the Building of a Harmonious Society’. This institute trains senior and middle government managers in China. The last three presidents of China have been directors of the institute.

I have said to many that I felt I was a part of history unfolding at this symposium. The institute is looking to Canada and other countries for advice on social policy development.

Specifically, Yunnan Province, where drug addiction and prostitution are the primary source of HIV/AIDS, is interested in developing a business relationship with the Dr. Peter Centre/BC Government/BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS to contract for expertise in HIV/AIDS interventions. It’s an opportunity for the Dr. Peter Centre to engage in a social enterprise raising much-needed revenue to provide Comfort Care at home while contributing to the development of Comfort Care for the citizens of China.

The Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation is clear that increasing capacity to provide care in British Columbia is its number one priority. Engaging in international work should only happen if we have the capacity to do so without compromising home base.

Since returning from China, I have met with representatives of the Ministry of Health and BC Centre for Excellence. Further exploratory meetings are being planned.

This focus on care on the home front will be evident in our World AIDS Day activities. Watch your mailbox for your chance to be part of our AIDS in Vancouver campaign. And please join us on World AIDS Day, December 1st, at the Dr. Peter Centre for our 2nd annual Reality Check to hear Dr. Julio Montaner, Director of the B.C. Centre for Excellence, speak on the current status of HIV/AIDS in British Columbia.

Yours sincerely,

Maxine Davis

Executive Director

P.S. Our 2nd annual signature fundraising event, Passions II, was a terrific success! Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets to this event and bid furiously at the auction to help us meet our goal of raising $30,000 for the Dr. Peter Centre. See you again next year!