to connect and network with E.D.'s from all over the province, as there is usually not enough time, it provided some important information through workshops such as, fundraising, sustainability and issues in our geographical areas. I came away with not only a tremendous amount of information, but strengthened relationships with other AIDS Service Organizations (ASO's) throughout BC. Thanks to PAN for thinking out of the box and providing a great conference.

PAN's next conference is for front line workers and will have skills building on Mental Health & HIV/HCV and HIV/HCV Co-Infection. For more info on PAN check out their website: pacificaidsnetwork.org

PAN's PHA Leadership Training—May 14—17th, 2010 at Loon Lake, deadline for applications: April 1st, 2010.

PAN is working in partnership with the Ontario AIDS Network (OAN) to present the 2nd Level I—Core PHA Leadership Training!

The training is dedicated to helping PHA's realize their individual leadership potential. It is exciting and will create and strengthen a network of PHA leaders in BC. The program will assist in indentifying personal values and philosophies, develop leadership skills, practices and gain community knowledge and awareness. The objectives for Level I are for participants to:

- Understand the 5 principals and 10 commitments of leadership
- realize individual leadership potential
- Participate in building a network of leaders within the PHA community
- Realize the potential and strengths that each individual brings to the network
- Learn about and practice leadership skills in a safe environment
- Inspire others to become leaders
- Encourage participants to take on facilitator and mentoring roles within community
- Expand participants awareness of community

Important: it must be emphasized this is a professional development opportunity, NOT A RETREAT. The training will take place over four days and these days are very structured and intensive. While there are breaks, the days are quite long and people attending the training are expected to be present and participating for the duration. This training is recommended for people whose physical and mental health is at a place that will allow full participation and interaction.

Who is eligible: Any BC resident living with HIV/AIDS. Applicants need the endorsement of a PAN member agency. Diverse representation including men, women and Aboriginal PHA's is a priority. The benefit of this training is for PHA's, whether they have experience or are new to the work. There are 15 available spots. Anyone who is interested must complete and submit an application form. This can be through PAN's website (listed above) or call VARCS and we can help! VARCS will cover the $150.00 fee for any of our members who are interested and successful in the application process! PAN will cover the transportation, accommodation and meals at the training. Child care subsidies will be provided wherever possible! VARCS encourages anyone who is interested to check out PAN's website, ask PAN any questions, or ask VARCS!!

Thank You VARCS would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the following for their kind and generous donations during the holidays and throughout the years!

Tom Harris Cellular For providing hats, pens and sweaters
Thrifty Foods For providing certificates
Swiss Chalet For providing certificates
Sleep Country Canada For providing mattresses to a couple of our members upon getting housing
Studio 1284, Jackie For offering hair styling services
VARCS also thank Adrienne Blanford and the Girl Guides!

We received an OVER WHELMING amount of wonderful stocking stuffers for men and women including cookies, candies and Socks and holiday cards! It was clear a lot of thought and work went into making these for us to give out to our members.

Couples Retreat
Outdoor Activities
Loon Lake Camp
Guided Workshops
Community Building
Sharing Experiences

Opposites Attract Weekend workshop for HIV+/HCV- Couples, May 21—24th, 2010 Victoria Day Long Weekend. Space is limited! Please register for an interview now! 604-893-2200 or oppositesattract@bcpwa.org. Join other couples at a retreat to strengthen, affirm and enhance your relationship.

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.