DEER LAKE — Debbie Young’s zeal in honouring her fallen brother is resulting in the assistance of more families impacted by HIV.
Her brother, Calvin Chaulk, died of HIV-related causes in Mississauga, Ont. in 1999. Young’s mom started walking in the local AIDS Walk for Life in memory of her son, and when she died in 2003, Young started raising money and walking for her brother.
Her fundraising efforts resulted in just under $2,000 for the cause.
Young started the fundraising this year, going door to door and setting up a display at the Deer Lake Foodland on Commerce Street and with three weeks still to go before the Sept. 23 annual fundraiser, she has collected an estimated $3,300.
Young likes the fact the donations go towards helping Newfoundland and Labradorians with the dreaded disease as opposed to research. Keeping the donations within the province seems to be making it easier for people to contribute to the cause, she believes.
AIDS committee chair Kim Dawson of Western Health, called Young a phenomenal fundraiser. The committee sent her 100 pledge sheets, Dawson said, and Young already needs more. The money raised goes towards PHA (Person Having AIDS Funds), which are then distributed to those affected by HIV/AIDS as the funds are needed. It could be for dental work, transportation to and from medical appointments, or anything.
The AIDS Walk for Life begins at Margaret Bowater Park on Sunday, Sept. 23, at 1 p.m., with registration getting underway at noon. For more information visit www.acwn.org or call 637-5000, ext. 5492.
