People supporting people. Donors to ACT continue to be an integral part of advancing our mission to support people living with and at increased risk for HIV. As partners and investors, each of our donors has their own unique story for why ACT is special and important in their lives. Whether an individual or family donor, a corporation, or charitable foundation, we are proud to partner with those who share a passion and commitment to those we serve. For only together, can we achieve our goal of net zero.

Richard Cadieux:

richard cadieux, wearing a blue shirt, short grey hair, and smiling

You could say that Richard Cadieux represents the passion and drive to build and help his community. Having worked at ACT in the Fundraising and Development department in 1991, he has seen a lot of change when it comes to HIV advocacy and how the community has come together to fight HIV stigma.

It’s one of the reasons ACT’s Philanthropy & Stewardship Committee chose Richard as the individual honouree for its annual Together Towards Zero Award. As a 30-year supporter, Richard has been a true partner in our community’s collective effort towards zero new HIV infections.

“I’m always looking at where I can make a difference and how I can help out,” recalls Richard of his time at ACT. “Back then, we did not have the same HIV treatments that we have for people now. What drew me to ACT was community and I wanted to support the community and give back.”

Richard remembers a time when he truly wanted to be part of creating change. “People were dying every day. Every week. We needed to do something about it,” Richard said.

You could say that Richard Cadieux represents the passion and drive to build and help his community. Having worked at ACT in the Fundraising and Development department in 1991, he has seen a lot of change when it comes to HIV advocacy and how the community has come together to fight HIV stigma.

It’s one of the reasons ACT’s Philanthropy & Stewardship Committee chose Richard as the individual honouree for its annual Together Towards Zero Award. As a 30-year supporter, Richard has been a true partner in our community’s collective effort towards zero new HIV infections.

“I’m always looking at where I can make a difference and how I can help out,” recalls Richard of his time at ACT. “Back then, we did not have the same HIV treatments that we have for people now. What drew me to ACT was community and I wanted to support the community and give back.”

Richard remembers a time when he truly wanted to be part of creating change. “People were dying every day. Every week. We needed to do something about it,” Richard said.

During his time at ACT, Richard saw a high response rate for the agency’s direct mail campaigns, something that Richard said was unheard of.

“With a typical direct mail, if you get 2-3 per cent response rates, that was great,” said Richard. “We were getting about 50% response rates. We were going for sponsors and people really wanted to help make a difference by giving generously during that time.”

Aside from the direct mail, Richard was also responsible for and excelled at getting in-kind donations from other organizations and securing food for events and groups.

One thing he really pushed for was to have the ACT logo and address on the direct mail envelopes to help lessen the stigma around HIV and AIDS. These envelopes were traditionally sent out plain, to prevent any reference that people were receiving mail from an AIDS service organization.

“Stigma was huge and way more pronounced back then,” said Richard, “The word AIDS was so loaded that people did not want it written on the envelopes we were sending out.”

While his time as ACT staff has long since passed, Richard continued his relations as a donor to this day. He donates to participants in the annual AIDS Walk and purchases artwork from SNAP, ACT’s photographic art auction, allowing Richard to support the charity that’s important to him while satisfying his love for photography. And let’s not forget – Richard is also a monthly donor.

Richard’s deep connection to ACT led him to make the ultimate gift. Richard has informed ACT of his legacy gift, or gift in his estate plans – a decision that he said was easy for him to make.

“I’ve seen the benefits a legacy gift can have on an organization and how it can help further its goals. That was part of my motivation – to leave behind something substantial so ACT can put it to good use and continue to empower people living with HIV and AIDS and those at increased risk with the ability to lead a good quality of life.”

It’s because of donors like Richard that ACT is able to continue to evolve its programs and services to meet community need.

That’s why we are proud to honour Richard with this year’s Together Towards Zero Award. Donors like him play a huge role in our efforts to promote health, build community and end HIV and AIDS in Toronto.

Woody’s and Sailor:

a graphic of a rhinoceros that has the word "Woodys" on the side

When you think of your favourite local bar, you think of a great venue where you can go for a few drinks with friends and have fun. For Alex Korn, owner of Woody’s and Sailor and its manager, Dean Odorico, decided to open in 1989, they had one word in mind: community.

“There were a lot of people who were sick or dying in 1989 from AIDS and ACT was really powerful in the community in terms of giving people the support and information they needed about HIV and AIDS,” recalls Alex. “We wanted our establishment to not only be a safe space for people, but more importantly to serve our community in every way possible.”

With that in mind, Woody’s and Sailor would become one of ACT’s most dedicated supporters and a true partner in ACT’s community efforts towards zero new HIV-infections in Toronto. It has remained the place to find out more about ACT programs and services and get condoms and lube with the most current HIV and STI prevention information. It has also been the place of lending financial support by hosting fundraising and donating… a lot.  

Woody’s and Sailor has donated nearly $250,000 to ACT throughout the years. It is for all these reasons that ACT’s Philanthropy & Stewardship Committee chose to honour Woody’s and Sailor with its annual Together Towards Zero Award.

“ACT has always changed with the times and is really at the forefront of educating people, especially when it involves people who are new to the country or might not have the proper support that they need,” said Dean. “Education is very important, and ACT does a great job letting people know about services, programs, PrEP, PEP and HIV-medication, and allowing people to live safe and healthy lives.”

Alex and Dean shared fond memories of Woody’s opening night and how they wanted to give back to the community by doing a fundraiser for ACT. With their opening night being a private party, invitations were sent out to community members and friends.

“Choosing ACT for our opening night fundraiser was easy. They were doing so much good work,” said Alex. “It was unbelievable to see the community come together and donate whatever they could to such a wonderful cause.”

Dean added, “I remember when I was going to funerals every week, but at the same time, our community was strong and really there for each other. ACT was important at the time for their role in HIV awareness, support and education. This vital role continues to this day.”

Through 30-plus years, Woody’s and Sailors involvement with ACT has continued. From participating in the AIDS Walk to “Staff Night” (where Woody’s staff would choose one day each month to donate all their tips to ACT, with the bar matching their donations), their support has not wavered.

Alex and Dean’s favourite ACT fundraiser was Fashion Cares. Dean recalls, “Our community looked forward to Fashion Cares every year. It was such a spectacle and so much fun. For me, the runways were always so memorable. It was great seeing community members, celebrities and fashion models strutting their stuff on the stage.”

Giving back to the community is an integral part of Woody’s and Sailor and something that remains near and dear to both Alex and Dean.

“Whatever we do has to come from the right place. It must come from the heart. You have to choose to help ACT and other organizations who in turn help others,” Alex said.

ACT is proud to honour Woody’s and Sailor with this year’s Together Towards Zero AwardAlex and Dean, bartenders, servers and performance past and present, continue to play a vital role in our community’s collective efforts to work towards zero new HIV infections, and to reduce HIV-related stigma and discrimination in Toronto.