CANFAR’s annual spring fundraiser brought together stories, communities and change to expand HIV-testing accessibility for priority communities.
Since 1987, the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR) has been dedicated to curbing the HIV epidemic in Canada. The charity funds research and testing while also actively addressing HIV stigma through its investments and awareness campaigns.
In continuing its mission, CANFAR organized its 14th annual spring fundraiser, Can You Do Lunch?, at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto on May 1, 2026. The evening marked the union of stories and communities dedicated to driving change with purpose.
Co-chaired by Tom Ranson, Amanda Gotlieb and Daniel Achibandani, the theme for this year’s event was HIV, Women & Family. It reflected on the intersectional effects of HIV during different stages of life, including adolescence, first love, motherhood and menopause.
This was demonstrated through powerful human stories, poetry and images instead of statistics. It was an outstanding fundraiser, and it raised a remarkable $400,000, all of which will be used to support CANFAR’s efforts to improve HIV testing access for underserved and priority groups.
The event was graced by three incredible speakers: Nalugo Sharifah Kyomukama (Moyo Health & Community Services), Breklyn Bertozzi (Canadian AIDS Society/ Société Canadienne du SIDA) and Doris Peltier (The Feast Centre for Indigenous Sexually Transmitted Blood-Borne Infections (STBBI) Research).
Their advocacy for women living with HIV across Canada has been inspiring. Along with bringing their distinct viewpoints and life experiences, community health, Indigenous Rights and grassroots organizations explored HIV’s effects on women from their youth to their senior years.
The evening ended with singer Serena Ryder gracing the stage and touching everyone’s hearts. As CANFAR moves ahead in its mission, the success of this fundraiser signifies hope for the future and the power of philanthropic contributions.
