Volunteer Spotlight: Gladys Kwaramba, VOPW

We had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Gladys Kwaramba, a wonderful volunteer for Voices of Positive Women from Toronto, Canada:

Bambi Weavil: How did you find out about VOPW? How long have you worked with them?

Gladys Kwaramba: Thank you for choosing me for the spotlight. I came across Voices Of Positive Women through word of mouth really. Being new in Canada, one thing I didn't know about Canada was this notion that one should have "Canadian Experience" to get a job. I have been here is Canada for almost two years now,and a volunteer with Voices for about a year and a half.

BW: What is a day like for you when you volunteer?

GK: I chose Voices because of their values. Voices is the only organization in Ontario that provides services exclusively to women living with HIV. They empower women and represent issues relating to improving their quality of life. I was trained to be a workshop volunteer, meaning that I go out with the Community Partnerships Coordinator to areas which are underserved to help in facilitating workshops about HIV/AIDS and women. Voices also has a treatment program where women get vitamins once every two months,so one of my duties here is to package and mail the vitamins to women. Just recently,as you know it's the holiday season, we have been sorting the toys and goodies for the kids. Just making sure that the toys are age appropriate for the kids, you know. Infact, the Christmas Party is coming up this week and I am sure the event will be a success.

The other exciting program that Voices provides is the Annual Healing Retreat, where women from across Ontario come together for a getaway weekend.

BW: Do you have any inspiring stories that have touched you since you've started volunteering? What inspires you to help with AIDS Awareness?

GK: There are so many inspiring stories to tell, but this one just stands out for me. So this one lady has been here in Canada for some years. She has never gone anywhere to spend a night without her children. It just happened that one person was able to convince her to come to the retreat, and she did. The joy that I see in this in woman's heart when she talks about her experience at the retreat is what keeps me going. When I see people happy and showing appreciation for the services they receive from organizations like Voices, it's what inspires me to help with AIDS Awareness, it's knowing that working together we can make a difference.

BW: What makes VOPW stand out in your opinion from other AIDS Awareness non-profits?

GK: Voices stand out in my opinion because, like I mentioned before ,it is the only ASO in Ontario that supports women including transgender women who are HIV positive. These are has been a great opportunity for me,to be in the company of these amazing and strong women. I have gained and still am, great skills and met extraordinary women. I am very grateful for Voices for allowing me to be a part of their wonderful service.

BW: What do you feel is the biggest misconception from society regarding the AIDS pandemic?

GK: The one misconception from society regarding the AIDS pandemic is that people living with AIDS got what they deserved. I don't know anyone out there who is looking for AIDS. Just recently, I have been hearing a lot about how HIV/AIDS as a manageable disease. What that message means I am not sure yet. I talk to a lot of young people who now thinks if they get HIV there not going to die because they can manage "it"(HIV). The message should be to encourage people to protect themselves. Practice safe sex and erase STIGMA. Remember AIDS still exists and people are dying everyday.




	Volunteer Spotlight: Gladys Kwaramba, VOPW We had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Gladys Kwaramba, a wonderful volunteer for Voices of Positive Women from Toronto, Canada: Bambi Weavil: How did you find out about VOPW? How long have you worked with them? Gladys Kwaramba: Thank you for choosing me for the spotlight. I came across Voices Of Positive Women through word of mouth really. Being new in Canada, one thing I didn't know about Canada was this notion that one should have "Canadian Experience" to get a job. I have been here is Canada for almost two years now,and a volunteer with Voices for about a year and a half. BW: What is a day like for you when you volunteer? GK: I chose Voices because of their values. Voices is the only organization in Ontario that provides services exclusively to women living with HIV. They empower women and represent issues relating to improving their quality of life. I was trained to be a workshop volunteer, meaning that I go out with the Community Partnerships Coordinator to areas which are underserved to help in facilitating workshops about HIV/AIDS and women. Voices also has a treatment program where women get vitamins once every two months,so one of my duties here is to package and mail the vitamins to women. Just recently,as you know it's the holiday season, we have been sorting the toys and goodies for the kids. Just making sure that the toys are age appropriate for the kids, you know. Infact, the Christmas Party is coming up this week and I am sure the event will be a success. The other exciting program that Voices provides is the Annual Healing Retreat, where women from across Ontario come together for a getaway weekend. BW: Do you have any inspiring stories that have touched you since you've started volunteering? What inspires you to help with AIDS Awareness? GK: There are so many inspiring stories to tell, but this one just stands out for me. So this one lady has been here in Canada for some years. She has never gone anywhere to spend a night without her children. It just happened that one person was able to convince her to come to the retreat, and she did. The joy that I see in this in woman's heart when she talks about her experience at the retreat is what keeps me going. When I see people happy and showing appreciation for the services they receive from organizations like Voices, it's what inspires me to help with AIDS Awareness, it's knowing that working together we can make a difference. BW: What makes VOPW stand out in your opinion from other AIDS Awareness non-profits? GK: Voices stand out in my opinion because, like I mentioned before ,it is the only ASO in Ontario that supports women including transgender women who are HIV positive. These are has been a great opportunity for me,to be in the company of these amazing and strong women. I have gained and still am, great skills and met extraordinary women. I am very grateful for Voices for allowing me to be a part of their wonderful service. BW: What do you feel is the biggest misconception from society regarding the AIDS pandemic? GK: The one misconception from society regarding the AIDS pandemic is that people living with AIDS got what they deserved. I don't know anyone out there who is looking for AIDS. Just recently, I have been hearing a lot about how HIV/AIDS as a manageable disease. What that message means I am not sure yet. I talk to a lot of young people who now thinks if they get HIV there not going to die because they can manage "it"(HIV). The message should be to encourage people to protect themselves. Practice safe sex and erase STIGMA. Remember AIDS still exists and people are dying everyday.			Meet Dillon, our special friend affected by HIV Ashley Judd, Global Ambassador for YouthAIDS YouthAIDS Global Ambassador, Ashley Judd's Asia Diary * Every day, 14,000 people contract HIV * 40.3 million people now live with HIV * AIDS kills one child every minute Featured Performer Raising Awareness for AIDS: Annie Lennox The Concept Behind "Sing": More Videos Please purchase "Sing" by clicking here Annie's Call to Action: More Videos Please purchase "Sing" by clicking here

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