Art-for-AIDS-Volunteers

As an organization that relies on volunteer support, Art for AIDS International is happy to acknowledge the amazing work our volunteer staff has been doing. The passion they have been showing as of late has been nothing short of inspiring. Since we are so fond of our volunteers, we decided that we wanted to show them off. Please meet a few members of our team: Brittany, Nicole, Madeline, Josinah, and Jessica.  


Brittany Coulter
In the past four years I have experienced a handful of feelings through my engagement in this organization. Words that first come to mind are: passion, pride, inclusion, trust, frustration, improvement, participation, respect, solidarity, friendship, appreciation, struggle, and most importantly community. Though seemingly vague, each one of these specific words represents a different aspect of my involvement in Art for AIDS International, and how it has helped me grow both professional and personally. There is an undeniable sense of community once engaged in Art for AIDS International, not only by way of in depth friendships gained but also in the way we perform together towards a common goal. Despite the daily obstacles of helping run a not for profit organization, I wouldn’t give up my experience with Hendrikus, Daisy, JP and the myriad of wonderful volunteers working beside me. “


Nicole Hilliard
“As a volunteer with Art for AIDS International, I have had the opportunity to meet and work with so many amazing individuals.  Art for AIDS International promotes an open atmosphere filled with friendliness and cooperation, while benefiting women and children in sub-Saharan Africa.  Hendrikus makes volunteering fun and exciting. He has created a community through everyone’s passion. Working with people towards a common goal creates a sense of dedication and commitment to the fight against AIDS.  I look forward to the challenges and triumphs in the upcoming months and years that we will experience as an organization and I as a volunteer at Art for AIDS International.”


Madeline Hunt
“I have had the amazing opportunity to be a part of Art for AIDS International for the past one and a half years. It all began after I attended a workshop Hendrikus held at King’s University College in the fall of 2009.  His energy and passion inspired me to become involved and I have loved every minute of it.  There are certainly challenges when it comes to not for profit organizations, but each obstacle has been met with an incredible sense of community and joy.  Those two words encompass, for me, what Art for AIDS International is all about.  Being a part of this organization gives you the opportunity to grow, learn, be challenged and become a part of a beautiful community of passionate individuals.”


Josinah Makotoko
“Although I am newer to Art for AIDS International and have only been volunteering for a few weeks now, it has been a pleasure.  It feels great to be a part of a selfless group of people working towards the growth of the organization.  Working in such close proximity with other volunteers has created friendships making it easier to work through tasks and obstacles without immense frustrations.  My time working with Art for AIDS International has been short but I hope to continue working towards its growth.”


Jessica McKeen
“My time at Art for AIDS International has been exciting, challenging, thought-provoking, rewarding and extremely humbling. I first saw an Art for AIDS exhibit at my university during my first year, and since then I have had a love affair with this organization.

Right now, the organization is undergoing some really exciting changes. As a volunteer of a year and a half, this is the first time I’ve seen the organization experiencing so much movement and change in many positive ways. As a volunteer-based organization, volunteer initiative is extremely important, and Art for AIDS has been developing opportunities and expanding responsibilities for volunteers since the beginning of this year. This is a really exciting time for Art for AIDS International and I am so proud to be a part it.

The use of art to express deep feelings and concerns about the world we live in is truly remarkable. It is impossible to walk into the gallery, or see an Art for AIDS International exhibit, and not be inspired by the young people behind the creations. As well, the people I have met through Art for AIDS International have added to my life in ways that I could never express in words that made sense. All I can say is that I am infinitely indebted to this organization and hope to be involved in some capacity for as long as my life allows it.”


As each account shows, volunteering at Art for AIDS International truly means becoming a member of the family. Although individuals in their own right, each volunteer brings a level of dedication that harmonize into a collective. Art for AIDS International could not run without each and everyone one of them.

So, to you, our volunteers, thank you!

If you are interested in volunteering with Art for AIDS International, leave us a comment, or e-mail us at [email protected]!