Vancouver Island and surrounding communities
As of April 2026, Vancouver Island Persons Living with HIV/AIDS Society (VPWAS) amalgamated with Ribbon Community. Our two organizations combined into one to better support and empower people living with HIV throughout Vancouver Island and the surrounding communities. All frontline services at both organizations continue.
Sign up for Ribbon’s Island-specific email updatesOur programs and services
- Peer navigation, provided by team members who previously worked at VPWAS in English and Spanish
- Peer support space by and for women living with HIV
- Case management, available by phone, email, and online meetings
- Community collaborations for events, ceremonies, memorials, and education
Past, present, and future
In 1991, people living with HIV in Victoria were hosting weekly support groups. After securing a small grant from the BC Ministry of Health, they opened their first office the following year. Over the next year, this group reached out to Vancouver Persons with AIDS Society for sponsorship and continued to operate independently. In 1994, the Victoria group incorporated as a separate entity to improve the efficacy of operations and was known as the Victoria Persons with AIDS Society serving the Capital Regional District. In 2005, VPWAS extended its services outside the Capital Regional District and became Vancouver Island Persons Living with HIV/AIDS Society.
Ribbon Community began working closely with VPWAS in 2025 and the two organizations amalgamated in early 2026.
Ribbon on the Island
We are available Monday through Thursday, from 10am – 4pm. In-person services are only available by appointment.
