VARCS Board of Directors
Art Holbrook, President/Chair
Art has been involved with VARCS since the late 1990’s
At the time that the first anti-retro viral drugs became available, VARCS, then the Victoria AIDS Respite Care Society, was contracted by Health Canada to do a study on the changing face of AIDS. Specifically, the study was to examine how the HIV+ should respond to the prospect of longer lives. The program placed an emphasis on fitness and was called Positively Fit.
Art suggested and was contracted to make a video about the project, which brought together many HIV+ people, including many who had not had any prior contact with the three AIDS organizations in Victoria.
As Art did the video, he became interested in the organization and was invited to join the board. He has been a board member ever since, serving as president from 2000-2004 and again in 2008-09. When family emergencies required the new chairperson to step down, Art was nominated to again become the chairperson of VARCS in early 2010.
There have been many changes over the last decade. Starting with the changes resulting from the introduction of anti-retro viral drugs, requirements for services for HIV+ people have evolved. The population that VARCS serves has also changed. When Art first became involved, most of the members of VARCS where gay men. Today, many of our services are directed to intravenous drug users.
The name of the organization has changed to reflect the changes in service requirements. No longer is respite care a priority. Though still available, other services are in much greater demand and VARCS is now the Victoria AIDS Resource & Community Service Society.
Art is a filmmaker and writer currently developing several film projects and writing a book on the abolition of slavery in the United States.
I first met Art around 1997 when I applied for a job, I wasn’t hired!
However, over my years with VARCS is has never ceased to amaze me how dedicated and committed Art has been and continues to be. Taking on leadership roles in different capacities, attending functions and events, volunteering in so many ways. Art has not only supported the Society, he has supported not only myself in the work I do for VARCS, but all our staff. This year was an extremely challenging one on a personal basis for me, a lot of employers would not understand, let alone empathize and support fully their staff in these situations.
The value to a staff person who feels they are trusted, valued and their skills and ideas are acknowledged, makes for a workplace that is truly “family” and a privilege to belong to.
We feel the same about all our board members, tonight we honour Art, for the time, energy & dedication he has provided over the many years. The fact he is still involved speaks volumes and the fact that the staff, including myself are well respected and appreciated, speaks volumes about his character.
Neil Belanger, Vice President/Chair
Ed Steele, Treasurer
Ed has been a Director on VARCS' board for three years now.
However, Ed has been working in the community for decades, educating, supporting and anything he has been able to, around the issues of HIV/AIDS.
Ed has worked tirelessly for all these years on the local, provincial and national level with several organizations. All of this, while dealing with his own health.
Ed is a "walking encyclopaedia" and a wealth of knowledge on this health matter. Ed is also able to tell you dates, times and locations of events, significant "victories" and many other meaningful times that are crucial for those who were not "around" at the beginning of the infection, it is crucial as we can never forget the fight and all the tribulations that Ed and many others went through during those early days, we can never forget as they paved the road for the services and medications that are available today. it is important to honour Ed as one of those survivors, teachers and mentors.
As well, Ed has one of the kindest hearts and thoughtful natures. When staff has been on medical leave, Ed has always called to say hi and provide his well wishes. When staff experience challenges, both professional and personal, it is not unusual when you go to your mailbox and there is a card from Ed. It is in Ed's nature to think about others, a beautiful quality.
Ed is also one who is willing to volunteer his time and energy for events and activities.
"Big Ed" as he is known in the community has been an asset, not only to VARCS' as an agency, but to the sooooo many individuals' lives he has touched over the years.
As staff, we are grateful Ed has chosen to support VARCS, and, even more, to have the opportunity to know such a considerate and gentle soul.
Don MacIver, Director
Join the Board
Are you interested in becoming a board member? Please contact VARCS - phone: 250-388-6220; FAX: 250-388-7011 or info@varcs.org for more information.