While medical progress may have contributed to advances in HIV treatment, the Dr. Peter Centre continues to help people living in HIV with its day health program and 24-hour nursing care residence, particularly for those with multiple medical conditions, are facing social barriers, or have experienced trauma, rejection, or neglect.

Amid Vancouver's Year of the Queer, September 15 will mark the 15^th anniversary of the Dr. Peter Centre.

As part of its fundraising efforts, the Dr. Peter Centre held its Pride Cocktail kickoff on July 18 at the 745 Thurlow building.

Shirley Young, the mother of the late Dr. Peter Jepson-Young (who died in 1992), made a speech, expressing her gratitude for a new generation was taking up the cause to continue to her son's legacy.

"One of Peter's earliest comments was 'People living with HIV/AIDS have needs greater than just survival," she said. "The Dr. Peter Centre provides those needs."

The event served as a launch for a series of cocktails that will contribute to the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation, with one dollar from every purchase of these drinks going to the foundation.

So it's time to raise a glass to raise some funds for the Dr. Peter Centre.

The Love and Luxe Cocktail ($16), available in July and August at Fairmont Vancouver Airport, features a blend of crème de cassis, house-smoked gin, and grapefruit juice with a dark cherry garnish.

From July 30 to August 6, the H Tasting Lounge and H2 Rotisserie and Bar at the Westin Bayshore (1601 Bayshore Drive) will feature the True Lies Cocktail, which includes Stoli Premium, lemon juice, charred pineapple syrup, and pineapple marmalade.

In collaboration with local drag performer Carlotta Gurl, Carlotta's Cocktail ($15) is available at ARC Restaurant Fairmont Waterfront (900 Canada Place) until the end of Pride (August 5) and is made with vodka, Krupnik spiced honey liqueur, egg white, lemon juice, vanilla syrup, and peach bitters.

Meanwhile for those who really want to help out while partying on the dancefloor, the inaugural Lady in Red Pride Ball benefit event will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. this Friday (July 27) at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver (900 West Georgia Street). 

Vancouver's Next Drag Superstar 2017 winner Kendall Gender will emcee the evening, which promises performances by Ballet BC, the Brat Pack, local country artist Patrick Masse, and a live DJ. Tickets are $99, which includes three alcoholic beverages and appetizers, with partial proceeds going to the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation. 

More information about the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation can be found at their website.