In Africa, every minute of every day, five people die of AIDS and nine more are newly infected.

In 2003, a group of like-minded, energetic people got together to actively motivate and inspire their community to help ease the pain of HIV/AIDS in Africa. This manual was produced by the residents of York Region, Ontario, who have come together to raise awareness and money. They chose the Stephen Lewis Foundation as the beneficiary of their efforts. Follow their story and watch how a spark can become an inferno. Their success can be your success.

This guide was written by Stephen Douglas on behalf of the York Region Committee in support of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Visit their web site at www.york4stephenlewis.ca for more information.

«The AIDS pandemic is the biggest, most monumental tragedy of our time. Even more tragic is the fact that it can be stopped, but hasn't been. In Africa, communities have been shattered by HIV/AIDS. Here in Canada, our strong and caring communities have the power to ease the pain and suffering. Let's unite our communities to help theirs.»

— Steven Page of the Barenaked Ladies