HIV West Yellowhead is calling all volunteers looking for a worthwhile place to donate some hours, and meet like-minded people.

Kai Okazaki, summer programmer for HIV West Yellowhead, said there are a number of great events planned for the summer ahead – many of them returning favourites.

July will be a busy month with the annual Fashion Show at the Atha-B on July 9. Local businesses will allow HIV West Yellowhead to use their clothing for the fun-filled evening.

Each year HIV West Yellowhead hosts the Servers Against AIDS Day, which is set for July 23. Local servers vow to contribute their day’s tips to AIDS research and awareness campaigns. 

The ever-popular Halloween in July event will be held on, of course, July 31. 

Other events Okazaki is working on include a Volleyball Tournament, three on three soccer tournament and a Sex Toy Party on August 7. 

HIV West Yellowhead is a non-profit organization that creates awareness for HIV, AIDS, hepatitis C and STIs. Okazaki’s job is to create events to support that mandate. The organization supports safe sex through education as well as a free supply of condoms. They can refer anyone in need of information or resources to the proper places, including PAP and STI tests. 

The hours of the office, located at the clock tour square, fluctuate, but are usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, and in the mornings and afternoons on weekends. 

“We’re trying to be open as much as we can,” Okazaki said. 

Anyone is welcome to drop by the office to talk about their needs and be connected to resources, in a confidential, judgement-free environment.

“When people come here for the summer, they don’t know they have this sort of option,” Okazaki said. 

HIV West Yellowhead also partners with OUT Jasper to create events. 

One of the best parts of his job as a summer programmer, Okazaki said, is meeting people and volunteers and attending the events. 

“It’s fun for people to have these events,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for me too.”

Volunteers are needed to help out with the many events planned. Anyone interested can contact Okazaki at 780-852-5274, or search for the HIV West Yellowhead group on Facebook. 

“If people see that it’s actually really exciting to volunteer with us, they’ll want to come more often,” he said. 

Okazaki’s other project is getting HIV West Yellowhead online. The Facebook group is a great resource, but Okazaki has also been working on video blogs that will continue through the summer. 

OUT Jasper has a website at www.outjasper.com, as well as a Facebook group to keep up with their events.