Tony Di Pede
The AIDS Committee of Toronto
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TONY DI PEDE
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For over 20 years, Tony Di Pede has been an outstanding advocate for people and communities who are marginalized because of HIV/AIDS, age, disability or poverty.
Watch video tribute | Diagnosed with HIV in 1989, Tony helped to build the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA). He has served in key board roles with the International Council of AIDS Service Organizations (ICASO), the Canadian AIDS Society, Canadian Treatment Action Council, Ontario AIDS Network, Ontario HIV Treatment Network, Fife House and AIDS Action Now!. He was a strong champion of the voices of people living with HIV when helping to organize the Toronto-hosted 2006 International AIDS Conference.
At the former Wellesley Hospital, Di Pede chaired the HIV Community Advisory Panel. Later joining the fight to save the hospital, he was instrumental in creating the Wellesley Institute. With a strong interest in housing and social justice, Di Pede has served as a commissioner of the Ontario Advocacy Commission, and in key board roles with the Drs. Paul and John Rekai Centre, the Out of the Cold Resource Centre, and The Wellesley Central Residence Inc., Toronto’s first affordable housing designed for seniors and people living with HIV/AIDS. Recognizing Di Pede’s instrumental guidance in creating this innovative housing solution, the building was in 2009 named the “Tony Di Pede Affordable Housing Complex.”
It is for Di Pede’s remarkable leadership, volunteerism, advocacy, passion and pioneering vision that he is being celebrated with The Casey Award 2010.
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THE AIDS COMMITTEE OF TORONTO (ACT)
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The AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) has been a respected leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS for over 25 years.
Watch video tribute
The brainchild of a small group of community activists, ACT was formed on July 18, 1983, in response to the hysteria and misinformation surrounding the emergence of AIDS. Little was known about the disease at the time, but a terrible stigma was attached to those who had it, and almost nothing was being done to help them. | Ever since its humble beginnings above a Kentucky Fried Chicken storefront, ACT has been instrumental in boldly leading the fight against HIV/AIDS in Canada. Responding to the changing demographics and needs of people living with, affected by, and at risk for HIV/AIDS, ACT has also been an important catalyst for the growth of numerous other HIV/AIDS service organizations, including BlackCAP, Voices of Positive Women and Casey House.
Today, ACT continues to spread the message of HIV prevention through education, outreach and community action. ACT also provides free, confidential help to men, women and youth living with HIV/AIDS.
Casey House is pleased to present the AIDS Committee of Toronto with The Casey Award 2010 for its pioneering activism, advocacy and leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
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