Over 450 people gathered to champion the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research’s mission to end HIV in Canada
More than $400,000 was raised at their “Can You Do Lunch?” event at the Four Seasons Hotel
When it comes to ending HIV in Canada, the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR) is helping drive the progress needed to get there. On May 1, more than 450 guests gathered at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto for the foundation’s “Can You Do Lunch?” presented by Amazon, an afternoon that brought urgent attention to HIV’s growing impact on women, who now account for nearly a third of new cases in Canada.
The room was filled with Toronto’s most well-known philanthropists, like co-chairs Amanda Gotlieb, Tom Ranson and Daniel Abichandani, longtime CANFAR supporters Sylvia Mantella, Suzanne Rogers, Janice O’Born, and Shilpa Madon, CANFAR National Spokespersons, legendary Canadian journalist Valerie Pringle and community activist Muluba, all reinforcing their commitment to CANFAR’s mission to end HIV in Canada.
A powerful performance by Serena Ryder and candid remarks from advocates Sharifah Nalugo, Breklyn Bertozzi and Doris Peltier underscored a clear takeaway: while progress is possible, this is not a moment for quiet concern, it’s a moment for action. More than $400,000 was raised at the event, directly supporting CANFAR’s investments that tackle ongoing health inequities and increase safe and culturally relevant access to HIV testing and linkages to care.
