A: As a Canadian politician, diplomat and international envoy for humanitarian efforts, Stephen Lewis has dedicated himself to improving the human condition. Formerly the Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Stephen Lewis is Chair of the Board of the Stephen Lewis Foundation in Canada, Distinguished Visiting Professor at Ryerson University in Toronto, and Co-Director of AIDS-Free World, an international AIDS advocacy organization based in the United States.

Mr. Lewis is a member of the Board of Directors of the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI). He also serves as a Commissioner on the newly formed Global Commission on HIV and the Law, created by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with the support of the Joint United Nations Programme of HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).

Stephen Lewis’ work with the United Nations spanned more than two decades. He served as the UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa from June 2001 until the end of 2006. From 1995 to 1999, Mr. Lewis was Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF at the organization’s global headquarters in New York. From 1984 through 1988, Stephen Lewis was Canada’s Ambassador to the United Nations.

Mr. Lewis is the author of the best-selling book Race Against Time. He holds 34 honorary degrees from Canadian universities and is a Companion of the Order of Canada, Canada’s highest honour for lifetime achievement.

Since 2003, the Stephen Lewis Foundation has worked with 300 community-based organisations in the 15 countries that have been hardest hit by the AIDS pandemic in Africa. Visit stephenlewisfoundation.org to learn more.

The funds we raise go directly to where they are most needed. For the Stephen Lewis Foundation, it’s not only the substance that matters, it’s the method. It’s not only what we do—it’s how we collaborate.

Our philosophy is firmly rooted in the notion that if organisations are going to turn the tide of AIDS in Africa at the community level, they will be found in the communities themselves. We’ve worked to create a model that is responsive and flexible, and reflects the needs and priorities on the ground. To do this requires flexibility, openness and constant learning.

Through regular field visits and frequent contact with programme staff in Africa, we are able to ensure that the resources we invest are being put to the best use possible. This includes resources for operating costs, salaries and stipends for home-based care workers, all of which are critical to ensuring that the day-to-day work can continue.

All of the funds raised during the Dare Campaign will go to where the money is needed most Our areas of focus are children affected by AIDS, grandmothers, survivors of sexual violence, home-based care providers or people living with HIV and AIDS. If you are donating by cheque, please make it payable to 'Stephen Lewis Foundation' and write your request on the reference line. If you are making your donation online, please use the drop-down menu to designate your gift to a specific area of focus. If you are donating by phone or email, please let us know how you would like us to allocate your gift, and we will be sure to designate your donation as indicated.

Absolutely! There are lots of great Dares to take on as a group… doing a dance-a-thon, organizing a basketball tournament, or setting up a games night. Set up a team page, and each participant can join your team and set up their own fundraising page.

Canadians can register their Dare, fundraise to reach their goal, and then do their Dare any time! You can do it with your friends, at your school or workplace, or over a period of time. Lots of people do their Dares in the fall, on World AIDS Day (December 1), or as part of their New Year’s resolution!

First, choose a Dare. Make it something that challenges you, something you've always wanted to do but for which you've never had enough time, courage, or motivation. Think about what your friends and family would donate to see you do! When you’re ready to register, click here to begin setting up your personalized Dare page.

How much money do you want to raise? Decide how much money you want to raise and set your fundraising goal. Quick tip - dare to aim high! We'll be there to help you with loads of tips and support in your fundraising. Use our online tools to tell your friends and family about your Dare using email, Facebook, and even Twitter! Get on the phone, put up posters at work, and distribute postcards (you'll find them in the Fundraising Tools section, or you can call us and we'll send you some!). Ask your friends, family and colleagues to dare you with their largest-possible donation. If you need help with fundraising ideas, or anything else, just give us a call at 1-888-203-9990 x306 or email us at [email protected]

Absolutely! If you have a great Dare idea, and want to invite your friends to get involved, let them know by sending an email, posting it on their Facebook page, or inviting them to join your Dare team.

Yes, they can! Lots of kids have taken on Dares, from holding dance-a-thons to not biting their nails. Help them think of something challenging to do, and set a fundraising target they can achieve. If they want to be independent and need some help, just have them give us a call at 1-888-203-9990 x306 or email us at [email protected]

No problem. If you are collecting cheques, cash or credit card donations personally, please make sure your donors fill out a Donor Form so we can send them a tax receipt for $20 or more. Call us at 1-888-203-9990 x306 and we'll send you the forms, or access them online in the Fundraising Tools section!

Yes, this is possible. After you've set up your personal fundraising page, click on the link at the top called "Enter Offline Pledges", and follow the instructions! Don't forget to mail us the cheques too, with a cover letter telling us who you are and what your Dare is so we can add match the funds with your fundraising initiative!

We want you to choose a Dare that is safe and legal. Before you create your personal fundraising page, you must agree to the Terms and Conditions, the first of which says: In using this website for the Event, you must not make inappropriate or dangerous dares.

We have many events happening throughout the year, and would love to be at all of them. Please call us at 1-888-203-9990 x306 or email us at [email protected] and we'll see if anyone might be available in your area.

You've done your best, and every dollar helps turn the tide of AIDS in Africa. But if you have questions about how to fundraise, please give us a shout at 1-888-203-9990 x306. We're here to help you with loads of tips and support.

The Stephen Lewis Foundation is a registered charity. Our charitable registration number is 89635 4008 RR0001. Anyone who donates $20 or more to your Dare online will receive an automatic Canadian tax receipt by email. If you're collecting cheques, cash or credit card donations, please make sure your donors fill out a Donor Form and we'll send them a tax receipt for $20 or more. Call us at 1-888-203-9990 x306 and we'll send you the forms, or access them online in the Fundraising Tools section.