On July 1st, 1984, the first case of AIDS in Edmonton was confirmed. On July 2nd, 1984 five individuals from the gay and lesbian community met and eventually formed the AIDS Network of Edmonton in 1985. In 1999 it was renamed the HIV Network of Edmonton Society, or HIV Edmonton as it is more commonly known today.

This book commemorates its 25 year anniversary. According to Phair, "For everyone that has been a part of Edmonton’s HIV and AIDS movement in the last 25 years, this book is merely a sampling of the people that have given their hearts and souls to this work."

Adds Joyce LaBriola, Development and Communications Director at HIV Edmonton, "this year, HIV Edmonton is celebrating 25 years of providing support, education and advocacy for those infected with, affected by or at risk of HIV in Edmonton. We put together The Legacy Project as a 15-month campaign to commemorate this milestone, with various different elements like the Distinguished Speaker Series and the Legacy Concert Series. The book is one of the seven components of The Legacy Project. The thought behind the book was, rather than us telling the history of HIV Edmonton, it would be a fitting tribute for those that were there over the years to tell their stories themselves. So many people are integral in this 25-year history, from those that gathered around Michael Phair’s table in 1984 to the volunteers today making red ribbons for World AIDS Day. The eight stories we chose to tell are but a small sample from this amazing pool of hope and compassion. We’re also quite lucky to have such a talented artistic team working on this project: CBC Edmonton producer Leslie Goldstone conducted the interviews and wrote the stories; award-winning photographers Roth & Ramberg photographed over 40 subjects through the course of the project; plumb heavy design put together the gorgeous layout and RR Donnelley took such care in the printing and binding of the book. It’s a beautiful piece."

The layout of the book is something that will appeal to all readers. "From inception and planning, putting together our artistic team, scheduling logistics for interviews and photo shoots, graphic design, editing, printing and binding, it took a full calendar year," says LaBriola.

The book is available for purchase on World AIDS Day, December 1, 2010. The book launch will be held at a World AIDS Day Benefit Concert with Simon Marc de Freitas. De Freitas is an up and coming artist that has studied abroad and received numerous Scholarships and Awards for his outstanding achievements. Tickets for this event are available online.

Around the Kitchen Table: 25 Years of AIDS in Edmonton is available online at the Red Ribbon Shoppe on the HIV Edmonton website, or at Greenwoods Book Shoppe. It runs for $50.00, and all proceeds from sales go directly to HIV Edmonton.