Mister Leatherman Toronto presents $15,000 to ACT
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 21, 2009
MLT presents $15,000 to AIDS Committee of Toronto
(Toronto) – Mr. Leatherman Toronto Competition Inc. (MLT) presented a cheque for $15,000 to the AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT), the beneficiary of MLT’s fundraising activities in 2008, during MLT’s annual general meeting on Saturday, July 18, 2009.
Matthew Pavelich, Mr. Leatherman Toronto 2008, and Jack Pearce, Bootblack Toronto 2008, made the presentation – on behalf of their titleholder teammate Laurence Heath, Mr. Leather Fellowship 2008 – to Duncan MacLachlan and Robin Rhodes of ACT.
Each year, the three MLT titleholders choose, and the board of directors approves, a beneficiary for MLT’s fundraising efforts. Heath, Pavelich and Pearce worked throughout the year to benefit the designated charity. The three developed and executed more than 40 comprehensive and innovative fundraising events over a 12-month period.
“We couldn’t have done it without the support of our community and every bit of the work was worth it,” Pavelich said. “ACT has been a source of support for those living with HIV/AIDS, and a leader in advocacy, education and prevention since its inception in 1983. We hope our modest gift will lend a hand to ACT’s being able to continue to fight the good fight.”
Heath, Pavelich and Pearce chose to direct the $15,000 to ACT’s practical support programs for those living with HIV/AIDS.
“All programs and services offered by ACT are very worthy and we know that many need financial assistance,” Pavelich said. “Despite being torn, we adopted the practical support programs to provide us with more focus, and ensure that MLT’s charity funds would make a marked difference.”
Most of ACT’s services for people living with HIV/AIDS are almost fully funded by money ACT raises on its own. Many are not government subsidized or are subsidized only in part by various levels of government. These programs include case management and counselling, as well as practical assistance services such as the meet-and-eat weekly hot lunches, BookAIDS, furniture bank, the drives and moves programs, and the insurance benefits and income tax clinics.
“HIV and AIDS haven’t gone away,” Pavelich added. “While we raised funds for the practical support programs, I’m proud that ACT understands the importance of continuing the fight on all fronts – preventing new infections, finding a cure, and fighting the stigmatization of and providing services for those living with HIV/AIDS.”
Rhodes, HIV Health Promotion Coordinator, said: “We wouldn't be able to provide the programs that we do without the involvement and support of community groups such as MLT. We are very grateful to MLT and the titleholders for their support.”
MacLachlan, ACT’s Gay Men’s Outreach Coordinator and Mr. Leatherman Toronto 1996, thanked the titleholders and MLT for their contribution and shared elements of his personal story.
“I’ve been involved in both organizations for a long time,” MacLachlan said. “In part, that’s because I’m a leatherman living with HIV. It’s also because I believe in the work of both organizations at a profound level.
“MLT’s actions demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to community development. People have said that the spirit of community, of caring, of coming together to support one another that emerged in response to HIV/AIDS in the early 80s is gone. I’m here today to tell you different. I’m here to tell you that this spirit lives on in MLT – in you.”
Mr. Leatherman Toronto Competition Inc. is a volunteer-based not-for-profit corporation dedicated to producing events that celebrate leather culture while promoting our community and our city.
Since 1996, MLTC’s net proceeds have supported community services selected by MLT titleholders and the board of directors. Past recipients have included: Supporting Our Youth; Canadian Lesbian & Gay Archives; Theresa Group; Camp Oasis Canada; Lesbian/Gay/Bi Youth Line; Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange; Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto; and Toronto People with AIDS Foundation.
For more information or to arrange interviews, contact Matthew Pavelich by telephone at 647-501-7664 or by e-mail at mlt2008@live.ca.
Jack Pearce, Bootblack Toronto 2008 (centre left) and Matthew Pavelich, Mr. Leatherman Toronto 2008 (centre right) present $15,000 to Robin Rhodes (far left) and Duncan MacLauchlan (far right) of the AIDS Committee of Toronto.
