Former head of ICASO honored for leadership in field of HIV and AIDS
February 5 , 2009
TORONTO – Richard Burzynski, the former head of the International Council of AIDS Service Organization (ICASO), has been recognized for his pioneering leadership and activism in the fields of HIV and AIDS and social justice by Toronto's Casey House. Casey House opened its doors as one of the world's first hospices for people living with HIV and AIDS just over two decades ago.
"I am honored to be acknowledged as a recipient," Burzynski said. "Social justice and activism is what makes this a better world for all of us. No matter where we live, or what we do, if there are those who are denied their rights, then this world is diminished."
Burzynski stepped down as the founding executive director of ICASO in December last year, after seventeen years at the helm of ICASO's International Secretariat, which is based in Toronto.
This is the second year that individuals or organizations are recognized by Casey House, which launched The Casey Awards in memory of one of its founders, journalist and writer, June Callwood. In a press release announcing this year's three recipients, the Awards chair, Pearse Murray, said, "These leaders share June's commitment to volunteerism and collaboration, and an unwavering dedication to advancing the dignity and rights of people who have been marginalized due to illness of poverty."
For more on the awards and a short biography of Richard Burzynski and the other recipients please visit www.caseyhouse.ca/en/about/thecaseyawards/