So Chic Charity Fashion Show & Luncheon - April 27
Mayor Jim Watson, with Councillor Rawlson King, recognized Yves Brunet’s dedication to the community by presenting him with the Mayor’s City Builder Award.
In 1986 at 27 years old, Yves Brunet was diagnosed with HIV. Following his retirement from the public service, Mr. Brunet began helping others with HIV-AIDS by providing support and guidance for individuals struggling with coming out and living with AIDS.
Since 2000, Mr. Brunet has given many educational testimonials and participated in lectures and training sessions about what it’s like to live with AIDS. He also works with the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa and provides his insight as a patient to help with their curriculum renewal process.
Throughout his life, Mr. Brunet has volunteered countless hours with local community organizations including volunteering as a patient liaison at Bruyère, leading a support group for gay and HIV-positive men with Le bureau régional d'action sida Outaouais and taking on board member roles with the Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange and Capital Rainbow Refugee.
In recent years, Mr. Brunet started two groups dedicated to sponsoring LGBTQQIA+ refugees: Rainbow New Beginnings and Everyone’s Sisters. He also plays an important role in the Nairobi Survival Project, a group working to ensure the survival of a group of LGBTQQIA+ refugees in Nairobi. Mr. Brunet’s work has touched the lives of many in our community and beyond.
The Mayor’s City Builder Award is a civic honour, created to recognize an individual, group or organization that, through outstanding volunteerism or exemplary action, has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to making our city a better place today and for the future. This may include lifelong service, outstanding acts of kindness, inspiring charitable work, community building or other exemplary achievements.
Individuals, groups or organizations may be nominated by Members of Council or the public.
