AIDS Compassion & Awareness Week 2004

The Bishop Healy Multicultural Society (BHMS) has planned a week of events dedicated to educating the community on the effects of the AIDS/HIV epidemic and to building compassion for victims and their loved ones. In addition to the events listed below, BHMS will be collecting toiletries and spare change for children suffering from AIDS in Malawi, Africa through Dec. 6. For questions concerning any of these events contact bhealyms@holycross.edu.

Wednesday, December 1: World AIDS Awareness Day

* "HIV/AIDS and the Family" 12 p.m. - 2 p.m., Hogan 328 Speakers from AIDS Project Worcester, as well as two Worcester residents infected with HIV, will speak about the effects that HIV/AIDS has on family life.  A buffet style lunch will be provided. * Free Rapid AIDS Testing 2 p.m. - 4 p.m., Health Services (Loyola Hall) Medical technicians from AIDS Project Worcester will be conducting FREE, ANONYMOUS, and PAINLESS rapid HIV testing. Counselors will be available to assist with any questions or concerns. * AIDS Vigil 7 p.m., McCooey Chapel Daniel Corrou, assistant chaplain, will lead a meditation in remembrance of those who lost their lives as a result of the AIDS epidemic, and offer prayers in support of all whose lives have been touched by the disease.  It will be a time to ask God for strength, understanding, and an acceptance for all. * Pendulum Project Presentation 8 p.m., Rehm Library Ellen McCurley ’82, founder of the Pendulum Project (a non-profit organization committed to the betterment of the quality of life for children in Malawi, Africa) will give a presentation on the complexity of AIDS in Africa. She will talk specifically about the impact the disease has on children and the ways in which they have begun to cope with the disease. McCurley has produced two documentaries on the AIDS pandemic in Malawi. She is currently completing her master’s degrees in social work and public health at Boston University. Her presentation is cosponsored by Africana Studies and the Center for Religion, Ethics and Culture. Thursday, December 2

* Open Mic and Quilt Design 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Coolbeans All members of the Holy Cross community are invited to create quilt pieces that reflect their personal thoughts and feelings about HIV/AIDS.  For those willing to share their feelings, there will be an open mic. A video documentary on the disease will be showing, courtesy of Women’s and Gender Studies, and AIDS Project Worcester. * "HIV/AIDS: Effects on Women" 12 p.m. - 2 p.m., Hogan 402 Two female speakers infected with HIV from AIDS Project Worcester will speak about the effects of HIV/AIDS on women. A buffet style lunch will be provided, cosponsored by Women’s and Gender Studies and Women’s Forum. * Free Rapid AIDS Testing 2 p.m. - 4 p.m., Health Services (Loyola Hall) * MSO Quilt Presentations 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Hogan 519 The College’s Multicultural Student Organizations (MSOs) will present their quilt squares, each of which will depict how the AIDS epidemic has influenced their respective communities. The quilt pieces will also be displayed at the Charity Banquet.

Friday, December 3

* AIDS Compassion & Awareness Week Charity Banquet: "What’s Going on in the World Today" 7 p.m. - 10 p.m., Hogan Ballroom This year’s banquet will be an opportunity for the Holy Cross and Worcester communities to build solidarity while raising awareness of the effects of AIDS on the world. Tickets are $10 for Holy Cross students, and $25 for all faculty, administration, staff and the general public. They may be purchased by contacting student organizer Bronwyn Vogler ’07 at 508-767-4169, or by e-mail at bhealyms@holycross.edu. Semi-formal attire is required.  All proceeds from the event will go to AIDS Project Worcester and the Pendulum Project, a non-profit humanitarian organization that helps families and communities care for, support, and protect orphans and vulnerable children in parts of the world that are severely impacted by AIDS.

Related Information: AIDS Compassion & Awareness Charity Banquet