What's New @ ARFC
- ARFC Annual Fundraiser Dinner
- Fighting AIDS in Asia
- $20,000 Challenge for ARFC
- Five Household Co-op Project
- ARFC's Grantees Featured in AIDSLink
- ARFC in the San Francisco Chronicle
Save the Date!
Save the Date! ARFC is hosting its annual fundraiser dinner to be held on July 9, 2008 at Be My Guest Thai Bistro in San Francisco. Come join us to learn more about ARFCs programs and network with others who share the same commitment and dedication to supporting the fight against HIV/AIDS in China. Suggested donation of $250. Check back for more details.
Fighting AIDS in Asia: A Roundtable with Three Activists on the Front Lines in Rural China.
In February, ARFC co-hosted with the Asia Society a panel discussion featuring two AIDS activists from China. Cheng Xiangyang was one of the earliest activists to speak out about AIDS in rural China. He shared a brief history of blood selling in Henan and the challenges the rural communities faced in getting the government to recognize the infections. Police raids and government cover-up were, more often than not, the responses to the petitions of the rural villagers. Now, there is an AIDS policy in place, and the role of NGOs has been critical in delivering key services. This transformation was reiterated by Lu Jun, based in Beijing. He focuses on the policy and advocacy to address infectious diseases, such as hepatitis B and HIV. He argues passionately for the increased participation of civil society and the need for NGOs voices that dialogue with the government to combat stigma. This event was a fascinating look at the different ways activists are pushing the boundaries of policy and advocacy around HIV/AIDS in China. What was clear was that despite ongoing challenges, there continues to be committed individuals to ensure vulnerable communities are not forgotten.
Click here for more information on the event.
A $20,000 Challenge for ARFC
Two of our donors, Chad Kenney and Joe Garrett, have put together a challenge grant of $20,000. They will match donations dollar for dollar until the end of the year.
The board of ARFC has passed a budget of $140,000 to continue our small-grant program, our major projects like the Co-op, and to begin new initiatives among urban gays. We have raised $100,000 to date, including all donations and pledges from our last fundraiser. We hope you will consider a tax-deductible gift to ARFC before Dec. 31st.
Please make your contribution to ARFC payable to: ARFC/Tides Foundation, #345, 530 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA 94117.
Five Household Co-op Project
ARFC is developing the innovative Five Household Co-op Project to address chronic poverty among families impacted by AIDS in rural China. This integrative approach will combine microloans, sustainable agriculture, marketing, and community development to improve life in the AIDS villages.
You can help us launch the Five Household Co-op Project. We are at the beginning of an exciting time. ARFC is planning a fundraising dinner, see details below.
Location: Be My Guest Thai Bistro, 951 Clement Street (at 11th Ave.), San Francisco
Time: Wednesday, July 25th, 6:30 p.m.
Suggested minimum donation: $250
Please RSVP by July 16th: 415-820-9630, or info@arfcusa.org.
ARFC's Grantees Featured in the Global Health Council's Publication, AIDSLink
ARFC Program Director Humphrey Wou observes and writes about innovative grassroots AIDS work in China. The article mentions three programs, the Pen Pal club, Qianxi Women's Group and peer education at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
ARFC in the Chronicle:
San Francisco Chronicle writer Vanessa Hua describes the work of ARFC. "This AIDS fund focuses on small projects in China. It gives modest sums to those overlooked by big foundations.."
旧金山Chronicle报道中国艾滋援助基金会，请看连接：