VARCS would like to thank Constable Lori Beauvais. Lori has been the Downtown Community Resource Officer for the past three years. Unfortunately, her tenure is complete and she will be leaving the position. Lori has been a remarkable part of our community. Her knowledge and amazing way she has with people will be greatly missed by those who have had the privilege of working with her and those in the community she has supported! Her last day is December 31st and we wish her well as she continues with VPD and all the best for 2010!

World AIDS Day & AIDS Awareness Week
For HIV/AIDS awareness this year, VARCS had the non profit booth at the Tillicum Mall. We sold our cruise raffle tickets and provided education and information to many shoppers on the busy shopping day of Saturday, November 21st. Thank you to Elaine, Ed, Jamie, Barb and Adam for being there and helping out!
Pictured is our Board Chair, Elaine Jefferies, our Program Coordinator, Barb Cavill and Executive Director, Karen Dennis.
Listen to Karens' World AIDS Day interview on CFAX
VARCS was also able to hold our 3rd Annual Red Ribbon campaign at the Victoria Salmon
Kings game on November 27th. We sincerely thank the Salmon King organization for again allowing us to hold this event and reach a multitude of people!
For World AIDS Day, December 1st, we challenged politicians, media, police and anyone to wear the red ribbon in honour of this very important day!

Special Thanks!
VARCS would like to say a VERY special thank you to the following groups for their generosity!

Victoria Pride Society and the President, David Tillson for buying $500.00 of our Cruise Lotto tickets. It was very generous and a great help to VARCS!
BC Transit and Peter Olsen who took a collection from staff and donated an amazing gift of a $500.00 donation as well as a letter of support!
Laurel Point Inn and Lawrence Lu for their kind letter of support!
TURNHAM WOODLAND, Barristers & Solicitors for their kind letter of support!
As always, VARCS thanks our many volunteers and community supporters, who over the years, who have been so giving of their time and kindness! VARCS congratulates our Cruise Lotto Winner, Laurie Meyers! Thank you for your support and enjoy your trip! We thank EVERYONE who bought the lotto tickets, your support helps us provide our members with valued services.
We also thank Ashley and Cruise Plus who have been extremely helpful!

Holiday Meals
December 12th - 3rd Annual Bandits Benefit Chili Supper. Cool Aid Downtown Community Centre: 755 Pandora Ave: 2pm to 6pm, Organized by Eric Raschig with music from the Turnpike Bandits
December 19th - North Douglas Pentecostal Church: 675 Jolly Place: 250-744-2411
December 24th - Christmas Eve Day: Annual Dinner for the Homeless: Tapa Bar: 620 Trounce Alley: 12 to 3pm
December 25th - Christmas Day: Glad Tidings: 1800 Quadra St: 3 sittings: 12:00, 2:00 and 5:00pm (5pm is for adults ONLY) Must register: 250-472-1040 and provide children's ages
December 25th - Christmas Day: Blethering Place: 2250 Oak Bay Ave: 8am Breakfast: 9:30am-3:30pm, Dinner
December 25th - Our Place: Drop In Open: Rainbow Kitchen serving lunch on both Christmas, Boxing & New Year's Day
December 31st - Our Place Society: 11:30 to 2:30 Salvation Army Post Christmas Dinner, 3rd week in January, To be announced

Drivers' Program Provided by wonderful volunteers it is one of VARCS first services. Rides are provided to medical appointments, shopping, banking and social activities benefiting our members who have mobility issues. VARCS is ALWAYS in need of volunteers for this. read about all the services that VARCS provides

Home Help Another service provided by volunteers and one of VARCS first services. Volunteers may provide help with light cooking and housekeeping for our members. VARCS is ALWAYS in need of volunteers for this service as well.

Referrals and Advocacy VARCS staff will provide referrals to community programs and services and will seek out information for people who request it. If we don't do it, we'll find out who does. VARCS staff will provide advocacy to ensure that people living with HIV/AIDS are able to access the services and programs that fit their individual needs.

Respite Respite is provided to relieve stress for caregivers (partners, spouses, family etc.) who are providing care and in need of a break.

Mobile X, mobile needle exchange The Mobile X has been operating for more than five years now. It provides harm reduction materials such as clean equipment like syringes, water, wipes, cookers. The outreach workers provide education regarding safe using practices, health information and offer materials and information about other service providers. The Vancouver Island Health Authority street nurses provide regular shifts in the van. The Mobile X works off a cell phone, individuals contact the van and the van drives to where they are. We serve the entire Capital Region.