The San Pedro HIV/AIDS Commission could easily be called the most active and visible small organization here on the island. With a membership of only 36, this group has managed to go above and beyond in their efforts to educate about and provide care for individuals and families affect by HIV/AIDS.
HIV/AIDS Murals
As of recent, the Commission has embarked on an Education and Mural campaign. The first in a series of Murials is located on the Caribeña wall and depicts the message, “Que Harias Si Fueras VIH Positivo? Yo Quebraria la Pared Del Odio” This message is repeated in English stating “What if you were HIV Positive? I Would Break the Wall of Hate”.
The mural, depicting the commission’s logo and the red ribbon is painted in bright colors and demands passersby’s attentions. The Commission would like to offer special thanks to the following individuals that contributed to make this project a reality: Pete’s Enterprises and Mr. Pablo Guerrero. The commission is also looking for more available wall space for more murals like the one in San Juan to be placed. There are three more murals that need placement.
World AIDS Day – December 1st
The commission is also working on preparations for World Aids Day, which this year will be celebrated on December 1st. As the day falls on a Thursday, members of the committee will be visiting some schools where they will be providing information on HIV/AIDS as well as giving out the red ribbons. This will happen from the early through the afternoon when at 5pm, the HIV/AIDS Solidarity march begins. The walk is scheduled to take participants around the main streets of Town from Central Park. A special invitation is extended the entire community to come out and join in the march.
Charity Dinner and Auction
Following the March, the Commission will throw its first ever HIV/AIDS charity dinner and auction. This function is being kindly hosted by Crave Restaurant. There are limited spaces available for this 3-course dinner event. Proceeds from the dinner will go to the AIDS Commission. As part of the dinner, there will be a silent as well as some very fun auctions. If anyone would like to donate anything towards the silent auction, please feel free to contact any member of the San Pedro HIV/AIDS Commission. Seating for the dinner begins at 7PM.
Other events that the Commission has planned for the month are listed as follows:
Dec 4th – World AIDS day fundraiser at central park for all day event. Activities include Rapid testing (free of cost), information booth, DJ followed by live music, food, desserts and drinks on sale. Also, all San Pedro Beauty Ambassadors will be available as part of the $1drive. This day’s event is scheduled to start at 9am and the entire community is invited to come out and take advantage of this opportunity to learn about the disease as well as finding out your own HIV status.
Dec 17th – Second annual Toy Drive. The Commission will be travelling to pre-selected locations where these toys will be distributed. New toys will be accepted at the SPTC Office starting on November 14th. Individuals wishing to donate to the toy drive are invited to drop off their gifts anytime after November 14th and assist in this yearly event that brings joy to so many needy children.
The San Pedro HIV/AIDS Commission continues to move forward in its efforts to do its best to avoid new infection and encourage proper treatment of infected individuals while offering assistance; through education, free testing, fund raising and providing of visual aids. The San Pedro HIV/AIDS Commission may be reached through its president, Felix Ayuso at 663-9922.
