HOW WALKERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE: BARRY'S STORY

• Year 18 with the Walk (started in 1993)
• 2010 goal: $7,500 (8% more than 2009 - $6,912)
• Total raised from 2005 - 2009: $27,700

What motivates you to walk?

ACT serves the needs of the HIV/AIDS community in Toronto like no other group around. After my partner David died from AIDS 18 years ago, I turned to ACT -- not as an HIV-positive person, but as an HIV-negative person affected by AIDS -- where counselling was available to me. From there I went on to become a volunteer, initially working on what was the “Hotline”. I later became a co-facilitator in a group of HIV-negative men who had partners that were HIV-positive.

I’ve been involved with the AIDS Walk for Life for many years, first as a walker, then as a volunteer on the day of the Walk until my present position as Supervisor of the Counting Room and Deposit Prep. It was only after I’d been a volunteer for a few years I discovered I could ask for donations as well. I also bring my mother, probably the oldest volunteer at 85, as well as my sisters and a good friend to work in the counting room every year.

What are your fundraising scoops and secrets?

There are no real secrets to my fundraising. I am willing to send e-mails to just about anyone I’ve ever crossed paths with. Initially, I only approached close friends and family, then I started asking some of our vendors (my sister Debbie) and I co-own a travel agency. From there it was only a matter of time before I asked my customers as well. I also approach businesses that I support: my pharmacy, the laundry service I use, and the restaurants I frequent. Some of the people that I would expect to support me have great excuses or none at all and some of my sponsors totally take my breath away. I never would have expected them to come forward.