ACO Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Dear ACO Community,

Due to the growing concerns regarding the community transmission of COVID-19, and Ottawa Public Health recommendations that all Ottawa residents limit “non-essential” travel out of their homes, and avoid public gatherings, and strengthen social distancing, the AIDS Committee of Ottawa is suspending all drop-in services and programs in the Living Room, except essential supports, effective Tuesday, March 17th.

The following services and programs are temporarily cancelled until further notice:

  • Living Room support groups, socials and general drop-in programs, including the daily lunch program
  • Education and Prevention services at bathhouses, bars, clubs and public events
  • ACB Health Zone
  • ACO programming at Gay Zone
  • Rapid testing on Mondays
  • Tool Shed Harm Reduction Dispensary
  • Volunteer Program workshops and skills-building

The following essential services and programs will be offered during this time:

  • Weekly food bank
  • One-on-one support, in person, on an appointment basis
  • Phone support
  • Online outreach
  • Income tax clinic

At ACO, our main priority right now is the health and safety of our participants, staff, volunteers and community members. Together, as a community, we will get through this challenging and uncertain time. If you need more information on risk reduction associated with COVID-19, please visit: https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/novel-coronavirus.aspx

If you have any questions and/or concerns about ACO services and programs, please do not hesitate to reach out to the following staff members:

  • Support Services and the Living Room
    Cory Wong
    (613) 238-5014 ext. 227
    Cory@aco-cso.ca
  • Education and Prevention Services and Programs
    Haoua Inoua
    (613) 238-5014 ext. 237
    Haoua@aco-cso.ca
  • Volunteer Programs
    Peter Szanto
    (613) 238-5014 ext. 228
    Peter@aco-cso.ca

As a team, we are committed to doing our very best to provide you with any essential supports you may need during this difficult time, and we sincerely hope to resume our normal services and programs as soon as possible. Stay safe and be well.

Sincerely,

Khaled Salam
Executive Director
AIDS Committee of Ottawa
(613) 238-5014
Khaled@aco-cso.ca

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International AIDS Candlelight Memorial

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Candlelight Memorial 2016 (2)

International AIDS Candlelight Memorial

A space to share memories of loved ones, with music and art.

When: Sunday, May 15th from 3-5 pm
Where: The AIDS Committee of Ottawa
The Living Room
19 Main Street
Ottawa, ON K1S 1A9

*Mainstreet @ Greenfield
…
Hosted by ACO & Bruce House

Light refreshements and snacks will be provided.

RSVP, Questions, information: Sonya@aco-cso.ca

Accessibility note:

ACO is an accessible venue. The washrooms are located on the main floor and are accessible as well.

The washrooms at this event will be gender neutral in recognition that so often gender variant, trans, two spirit and women identified people are at greater risk to violence and harassment.

 

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Notice of AGM

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Saturday, Sept 19th, 2015 @ 3 pm

St-Elias Banquet Centre, 750 Ridgewood Avenue, Ottawa, ON

Registration: 2 pm – 3 pm

This AGM will be part of ACO’s 30th Anniversary Celebrations. If you wish to remain for the dinner and other festivities, please register via the link below. This is a free and accessible event.

http://www.eventbrite.ca/e/acoxxx-celebrating-30-years-of-our-community-tickets-18104051706

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Spacing Ottawa features ACO in its article on Doors Open Ottawa 2015

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Spacing Ottawa features ACO in its article on Doors Open Ottawa 2015.

“The AIDS Committee of Ottawa will be celebrating 30 years of advocacy this fall. To commemorate this event they are preparing a legacy project entitled ACOXXX, which will be interviewing individuals critical to the ACO community and HIV/AIDS movement over the past three decades. This will be compiled into a physical as well as online book, which can be shared internationally. If you’re interested in supporting the ACOXXX legacy project in celebration of 30 years of inspiring work, join them on September 19th 2015, or on World AIDS Day, December 1st, 2015.”

http://spacing.ca/ottawa/2015/06/16/13061/

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Statement from Agellan Capital Partners Inc. and Cushman & Wakefield RE: 240 Bank Street

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Statement from Agellan Capital Partners Inc. and Cushman & Wakefield RE: 240 Bank Street

 

“The AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO) is a social justice organization that works from an Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression framework and provides education, outreach and support to people living with, affected by or at risk of HIV/AIDS in the Ottawa region. We regret that, due to unforeseen circumstances, and after all of the work that went into planning the move, ACO was not able to move to 240 Bank Street. Agellan Capital Partners Inc. and Cushman & Wakefield acknowledge the effort that ACO put into finding and preparing its new space and recognize the value of the work ACO does in the community.”

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ACO Presents: Ash & Bloom [Your Town] Tour 2015

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ACO Presents: Ash & Bloom [Your Town] Tour 2015

AshBloomPosterOn Saturday, April 11, 2015 the AIDS Committee of Ottawa presents Ash & Bloom in concert at the Saint Paul University Ampitheatre to benefit ACO & people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS in Ottawa.

Canadian folk duo & 2015 Juno nominees Ash & Bloom (Matt McKenna and James Bloemendal) have quickly become a powerhouse duo; taking their music worldwide and being named an “act to watch” by press. Ash & Bloom have crafted a sound that requires two people playing and singing together, a sound reminiscent of Simon & Garfunkel but with a modern day, Barenaked Ladies-esque twist.

In 2013, they joined singer-songwriter Justin Hines on the Vehicle of Change Tour from June to October, travelling over 20,000 kms across North America. 100% of ticket sales from each show went back to local charities and the band successfully helped raise funds and awareness in each city they visited.

Doors open at 7:00pm with a welcoming reception, Showtime at 8:00 pm + tickets are $25/each

Saint Paul University Amphitheatre, 223 Main Street

All funds raised go directly to People Living with and affected by HIV & AIDS

Light refreshments will be provided

Want to know more about Ash & Bloom? http://www.ashandbloom.com

Get to know them more on apt613: http://apt613.ca/ash-bloom-an-expression-of-life-through-music/

++There will be an opportunity to meet the band Ash and Bloom, after the concert++

Accessibility note: Saint Paul University is an accessible venue.

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Snowblower 2015 Events Listing

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Snowblower 2015 Events
Event Name Snowblower Info Fair and ACO Open House
Date Monday, February 9th
Time 5:00 – 8:00pm
Location AIDS Committee of Ottawa, 19 Main Street
Description/Cost ACOs grand opening of 19 Main Street in collaboration with Snowblower info fair. No cost.
Contact info Caleb Chepesiuk, 613-238-5014 ext. 252 or caleb@aco-cso.ca

 

Event Name The Power of Saying Yes “Healing Power of Erotic Energy”
Date Tuesday, February 10th
Time 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Location ARTS Court, Courtroom
Description/Cost An intimate conversation – Roger Galipeau – a holistic therapist and teacher.The power of Yes – a way to fully embrace and accept your Eros.Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be fulfilled erotically?This two hour session is focused on introducing the concept of love – loving yourself, loving your partner, understanding and expressing your desires and being able to tell someone your secret wishes.The lesson is based on how to yourself and making steps to greater intimacy and satisfaction within yourself.Everyone is welcome though seating is limited, please RSVP
Contact info Grant Cobb, 613-238-5014 ext. 224 grant@aco-cso.ca

 

Event Name Trans Men’s Workshop
Date Tuesday, February 10th
Time 5:30 to 7:00pm
Location ARTS Court, The Library
Description/Cost Fucking QT guysWant to talk about how to navigate sex / dating with queer trans (QT) guys? Are you a trans man who has sex with men? Is your lover / partner / fuckbuddy a QT guy? Are you crushing on that QT babe and want to know how to treat him respectfully? In this workshop, we’ll discuss the ways to manage risks around sex, and build better relationships, communication, and fucking, within MSM communities!**This workshop is open to everyone, but is centered on queer/gay/bi trans guys. These are imperfect and broad terms and include anyone who feels their experiences or identities are affiliated with this.
Contact info Claire Touchette, 613-238-5014 ext. 235, claire@aco-cso.ca

 

Event Name Queering Black History
Date Wednesday, February 11th
Time
Location Arts Court
Description/Cost A photography exhibit and panel discussion celebrating the contributions of queer black leaders
Contact info Preet Bhogal, 613-238-5014 ext. 236, preet@aco-cso.ca

 

Event Name Wabano Event
Date Thursday, February 12th
Time 1-3pm
Location ARTS Court, The Library
Description/Cost Everyone welcome.
Contact info Heather Money, 613-238-5014 ext. 242, heather@aco-cso.ca

 

Event Name Ottawa Wolves Movie Night
Date Thursday, February 12th
Time 6:30-8pm
Location ARTS Court, The Library
Description/Cost The Ottawa Wolves host “Go Dragons! A Rugby Story,” which follows a season in the life of the Chicago Dragons, a gay rugby team in a straight Midwestern league. No Cost
Contact info Derek Cassidy, 613-238-5014 ext. 232, derek@aco-cso.ca

 

Event Name SHAG Cupid with Youth Services Bureau
Date Tuesday, February 10th
Time 1:00 to 4:30pm
Location YSB Drop-in, 147 Besserer Street, Ottawa
Description/Cost The Sexual Health Advisory Group (SHAG) enthusiastically invites all youth ages 16 to 24 of any gender or sexual identity/orientation to join us for our 6th annual SHAG Cupid, a totally FREE event. This sex positive afternoon will feature great music, a workshop from Venus Envy on ‘How to Hook up’ our now-traditional warm and fuzzy compliments center, and a cookie decorating station.Food and cupcakes provided! So many delicious choices! Did we mention the chocolate fondue pot? It’s going to be there.This for-youth and by-youth afternoon will be held at the Youth Services Bureau drop in from 1 pm to 4:30.
Contact info Alisa McClain, 613-241-7788 ext. 413, amcclain@ysb.on.ca

 

Event Name PEP/Prep Information Session
Date Thursday, February 12th
Time 6:30-8pm
Location Gay Zone
Description/Cost Patrick O’Byrne presents on PrEP and PEP, which are medications taken by someone who is HIV-negative before (PrEP) or after (PEP) contact with HIV to help prevent infection.
Contact info Derek Cassidy, 613-238-5014 ext. 232, derek@aco-cso.ca

 

Event Name Queer Mafia and ACO present Pop
Date Friday, February 13th
Time 10 pm
Location SAW Gallery
Description/Cost $10.00 or pay what you can?
Contact info Preet Bhogal, 613-238-5014 ext. 236, preet@aco-cso.ca

 

Event Name Sex Toys for Queer Boys
Date Tuesday, February 10th
Time 7:30 to 9:00 pm
Location ARTS Court, Library
Description/Cost Toys for Queer Boys offers a look at the wonderful world of sex toys geared specifically towards boys who do boys! We’ll talk about anal toys, masturbators, cock toys, lube, and some sensation and kinky toys. Discussion will include a refresher on anatomies and safer toy play. Open to all men of all histories and identities!
Contact info Derek Cassidy, 613-238-5014 ext. 232, derek@aco-cso.ca

 

Event Name Snowblower Gala
Date Saturday, February the 14th
Time 8:00pm
Location Royal Canadian Legion, 330 Kent Street
Description/Cost Performances by Mz. Snowblower 2014 Dixie Landers and other local Ottawa talent.
Contact info Heather Money, 613-238-5014 ext. 242, heather@aco-cso.ca

 

Event Name Curling with the Rainbow Rockers
Date Sunday, February 15th
Time 1-3pm
Location Ottawa Curling Club, 440 O’Connor St.
Description/Cost FREE
Contact info JP Bergeron, 613-238-5014 ext. 223, JP@aco-cso.ca

 

Event Name A conversation about Magnetic Relationships- PEP and Prep
Date Saturday, February 14th
Time 2-4pm
Location ACO, 19 Main Street
Description/Cost In this world when HIV news is focused on science, law, blame and stigma, it is rare to have conversations of loving sex between HIV positive (poz) and HIV negative partners.Those who have had a positive diagnosis and those who love us are often silenced by the shouting ignorance of fear and hate.Magnetic Relationships will encourage a discussion of love, sex, risk and a little bit of science. We hope to grow beyond false barriers and challenge ignorance.Valentine’s day, romantic treats, water, tea, coffee, chocolates $150
Contact info Grant Cobb, 613-238-5014 ext. 224, grant@aco-cso.ca

 

Event Name Family Day with Family Services of Ottawa, Ten Oakes and ACO
Date Monday, February 16th
Time 2-5pm
Location The Living Room @ The AIDS Committee of Ottawa
Description/Cost Come and celebrate your LGBTQ family with us! We will be hosting story time with volunteers from Camp Ten Oaks and Family Services Ottawa. Light refreshments and kid friendly snacks will be available. Family Day (Feb. 16th) 2-5pm at ACO’s new space! (19 Main St)
Contact info Claire Touchette, 613-238-5014 ext. 235, claire@aco-cso.ca

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