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Canadian Premier: Desert Migration
In honour of World AIDS Day, McLaren is proud to be hosting the Canadian premier of Desert Migration, a documentary on the life of long-term HIV/AIDS survivors who have migrated to form a unique community in the beautiful but harsh landscape of Palm Springs.
Date: Tuesday, December 1st, 2015
Where: Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Schedule:
6:30 - doors open
7:00pm - film start
8:30pm - discussion and questions hosted by Mary Petty, IDC
Cost: $10
To purchase your tickets visit www.mclarenhousing.org
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McLaren Family Visit
As many of you already know, McLaren Housing was founded in 1987 and is named after Ted McLaren, who was one of Vancouver’s leading advocates for affordable housing for persons with AIDS. On September 15th we were honoured to host the McLaren family, including Ted's siblings Kathleen and Rod, nephew Jeremy and mother Daphne.
The family had the opportunity to meet the staff and board while enjoying tours of Howe Street and Helmcken House. As we neared the 30th anniversary of Ted's passing, it was an emotional visit for everyone, but everyone at McLaren Housing were so proud to show the family Ted's amazing legacy.
Pictured (L to R): Lily McLaren, Rod McLaren, Daphne McLaren, Kathleen Baillie, Gary Baillie, Jeremy Baillie
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McLaren Goes to the Races!
On September 19th we hosted McLaren Goes to the Races!
Despite the torrential rain, we had approximately 80 people come out to support the event and enjoy the food, drinks and live racing! Together, we raised over $15,000 to provide safe and affordable housing for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Our sincerest thanks to our Platinum Sponsor, Dignity Memorial and our Gold Sponsor, the Bonds Group of Companies. A big thank you also goes out to Hastings Racetrack for awarding us a Community Day. We truly appreciate your support!
Thank you to our wonderful host Christepher Wee and also to our dedicated volunteer Joel Leung! Another thank you goes out to Fraser Union for playing their lovely music throughout the day.
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AIDS Walk for Life
The theme for this year was HIV Anonymous. Things have changed for people living with HIV - and mostly for the better. But that doesn't mean life with HIV is easy. The challenges are real: stigma, isolation, limited income, and the side effects of powerful medications depended on to stay alive. For too many, living with HIV means hiding from discrimination. You can learn more about the HIV Anonymous campaign here.
A very special thank you goes to our walkers Stan, Pierre, Joel and Doug. A final tally of the amount they raised will be coming soon!
Pictured: volunteer Jenn, board member Reinaldo and board member Kristy.
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Pets at Howe Street by Alicia Costa, Resident Support Worker
Any animal lover will tell you that having a furry friend in your life can positively impact you in many ways. There has been a lot of research done on the positive impact companion animals have on mental and physical health. Studies have shown that having a pet in your life can drastically decrease depression, isolation, stress, and anxiety.
With this in mind we work hard to support our residents who wish to be responsible pet owners. We connect residents with low-cost vet care, emergency food resources, and offer cat sitting and dog walking. For many people in the HIV community who have been turned away from their families and friends a pet can provide love and companionship. Additionally we also have two house pets who provide residents’ access to a pet without the associated costs and responsibility for those who love animals but cannot take one on. This enables us to use animals directly in our work to provide comfort to residents when they are in crisis.
Daisy is our spunky 3-year-old Corgi/ Shepard mix who has been here since day one of opening the building. She spends most of her work day in the security office on our first floor greeting guests, getting treats and belly pets from the residents, and watching the security system cameras to ensure everyone is safe. When she is ‘working’ she has an amazing work ethic! She is also utilized by the resident support team to provide a cuddle when someone is in crisis. She can also be a great asset to take for a walk with a resident who wants to talk and get some fresh air and exercise. Daisy can also often be found in our amenity space during programming to greet residents and their furry friends. After her shift is over for the day she retires with our on-site caretaker to get some well-earned shut eye.
Gertie is our sassy white-and-black medium hair cat. Our ‘diva’ was a surrender from a resident who could no longer to care for her. Normally in those rare situations we rehome the animal to a new loving home. However, Gertie just made herself comfortable in our offices on the second floor and was welcomed to the staff team. She loves to play with Daisy and our other pooches and frolic about in our garden on the second floor patio. She will happily hop onto the lap of anyone who is need of some fluffy love and will always greet you with a meow. And while she loves to be a part of the staff team she is most likely napping in the sun through the meetings.
There is no doubt in my mind that our pets have a huge impact on our community here at Howe St. Not only do the residents benefit from our furry friends but the staff also impact from having a calming animal energy in what can be a stressful and hectic work environment. The unconditional love of an animal can turn your day around.
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