Our History

Learn about AVI's history and kitchen table beginnings

AVI Health and Community Services: A Brief History

On September 17, 1985, five men (Wayne Cook, Don MacIvor, Roy Salonin, John Spencer, and Grant Sullivan) sat around a kitchen table and decided it was time to meet the challenge posed by the AIDS epidemic on Vancouver Island. These five men saw the growing need for accurate and up-to-date information and services relating to HIV/AIDS. That evening saw the birth of AIDS Vancouver Island (now AVI Health and Community Services), with the founders forming the first Board of Directors.

The society was subsequently incorporated in BC and registered under certificate number S20925 on January 24, 1986 under the legal name of The Vancouver Island Aids Society. Initial funding for the society’s expenses came from a benefit and charitable donations. There were no paid staff and a small office space was obtained at no charge. Over the past 30 years, the need for HIV/AIDS related programs and services has continued to grow, and in 2019 AIDS Vancouver Island changed its name to AVI Health and Community Services to reflect the breadth of services offered

AIDS Vancouver Island’s Founding Philosophy:

OUR SOCIETY was formed by gay men, with the support of
lesbian and gay public and their friends, who accepted the challenge
to confront Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and
respond to the needs of all people affected by the HIV virus

WE ACKNOWLEDGE the existence of oppression and inequality
in our world, and endeavour to focus on this reality in a positive manner

WE ADVOCATE for the provision of universal services to ensure
thorough and appropriate focus on the need of the individual

WE RECOGNIZE the right of all individuals to be treated equally
and will not tolerate discrimination in any form

WE RESPECT AND SUPPORT the individual’s right to
self-determination and self-empowerment

WE STRIVE to provide the best possible services using all existing
community resources in a spirit of cooperation and partnership for the
mutual benefit of all

WE ACCEPT without reservation, the positive nature and
individual expression of human sexuality

The Members, Volunteers and Staff and the Vancouver Island
AIDS Society endorse, and promote this philosophy