About John Andru, Founder of One Day For AIDS

I just had to do something...

After attending some special events for World AIDS Day in 2004, I knew that I had to take action on the issue of HIV/AIDS. I was well aware of the statistics. I knew how many people were being infected with HIV/AIDS daily. I knew how many people died each day. I knew that unlike any other disease, there was a huge social stigma attached to people who were HIV+. And I felt angry…and sad…and powerless… Surely, there was something that I, that we, could do to make a difference.

I wondered what sort of impact we could make if every Canadian gave "one day" to the cause of HIV/AIDS. From there I started my "One Day For AIDS" campaign in the hopes of raising awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS relief and the website was launched in September 2005. Since 2005, we have raised over $13,500 - and this year, we hope to raise even more!

Last year, I also had the opportunity to visit an HIV/AIDS project in Cambodia that allowed me to see our efforts (and dollars!) at work.

I hope that you will consider giving "one day" to the cause of HIV/AIDS this year. Will you join me in turning the tide against HIV/AIDS?

About John Andru

John Andru currently works in fundraising at the BC Cancer Foundation in Vancouver, Canada and studied marketing at the University of British Columbia (UBC). He has a history of volunteering and working for various charitable organizations including: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, United Way of the Lower Mainland, Canadian National Institute for the Blind, and AIDS Vancouver.

It was while volunteering at AIDS Vancouver that John began to learn about HIV/AIDS and met people who were HIV+. As part of a development course at UBC, John learned about the devastating impact HIV/AIDS was having globally, particularly in Africa. He also had the opportunity to attend the International AIDS Conference in Toronto last August. While interning at an Australian NGO in early 2007, John also coordinated the first ever symposium on microbicides in Australia. Microbicides are new products being developed in the form of creams and gels to prevent the transmission of STD's and HIV/AIDS.

Since the website campaign was launched in September 2005, over $13,500 has been raised for local and international organizations that provide care and support to those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. Past events have included: red ribbon street sales and film & documentary nights. John continues to volunteer his time as Campaign Coordinator to ensure that 100% of donations generated go directly to the HIV/AIDS organizations.