Vancouver Island PWA Society

The Vancouver Island Persons Living with HIV/AIDS Society (VPWAS) is the only peer based HIV/AIDS organization on Vancouver Island, and has been providing peer support and treatment information to persons living with HIV/AIDS for over 20 years. We are a Social-profit (non-profit), member based organization made up of HIV+ and HepC co-infected people. A volunteer Board of Directors, all of whom are living with HIV/AIDS, governs our Society. This is to ensure the stability of our grassroots philosophy of 'By PHAs for PHAs', in keeping with our person-centred support model of service. The mission of the Vancouver Island Persons Living with HIV/ AIDS Society is to offer compassionate peer support and treatment information to all persons living with HIV/AIDS. In addtion to supporting our mission, we also offer life enhancement activities and a number of programs and services to our membership. Many of these programs and services are prepared and operated by HIV+ member volunteers themselves. With staff support we encourage this as we feel it enables self-empowerment for our members and promotes self-improvement through a healthy lifestyle and outlook on the future. All proceeds and donations go to support these programs and services directly. With one staff person we ensure the larger percentage of funding goes to support these important services. Our programs and services are available to all people living with HIV/AIDS on Vancouver Island.