CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. – AIDS P.E.I. will soon unveil a new brand name and logo that will better represent the scope of the organization’s services.
The not-for-profit group’s board of directors voted for the change at its annual meeting back in June, and has been working with local creative agency Fresh Media since to develop the new branding.
The new name and logo will be unveiled at 4 p.m. at The Guild in Charlottetown on Oct. 24.
“Our name is challenging for many and no longer represents the breadth and scope of the work we are engaging in here on P.E.I.,” said AIDS P.E.I. executive director Cybelle Rieber, who added that the new identity will ensure that the organization is “being inclusive to all who may need or want to engage with us.”
Nola Etkin, chair of the board of directors, said AIDS P.E.I. has been working hard to redefine the organization in ways that will capture its history, reflect its current work and help its vision for the future.
“Our name is challenging for many and no longer represents the breadth and scope of the work we are engaging in here on P.E.I.” -AIDS P.E.I. executive director Cybelle Rieber
Meanwhile, AIDS P.E.I. also announced its LGBTQ+ Youth Group will meet more often.
The social support program for LGBTQ+ youth and allies under the age of 19 was piloted last year in collaboration with PRIDE P.E.I., and through the provincial Wellness Grant program.
“When the pilot officially ended last March, the program was still very much going strong,” said program coordinator Angele DesRoches. “We had 20 youth engage with the program over six sessions and we had folks travelling to Charlottetown from all over the Island … to participate. During our early evaluation activities youth were really clear in their feedback: they wanted more.”
After the pilot ended, AIDS P.E.I. dedicated some organizational funds to continue to deliver the program once a month, but the small not-for-profit couldn’t expand it without additional support.
In addition to funds raised by the community, AIDS P.E.I. recently received word that the Department of Health and Wellness would support the program’s expansion with a new Wellness Grant.
The program will now be held twice monthly, on the second and last Tuesday, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Murphy Community Centre.
The organization has also earmarked funds for volunteer recruitment and facilitator training with hopes of expanding the program into other Island communities.
Visit www.aidspei.com to donate or for more information.
