Paul Hagel

AIDS is the deadliest global pandemic of our time. In 2007, 33.2 million people worldwide were living with HIV and 2.1 million died from AIDS.

In the face of these staggering numbers, AIDS Calgary has been educating the public and providing support services for those at risk, infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in the Calgary area since 1983, through various outreach programs, counselling services, community awareness and annual fundraisers.

In 1983, Paul Hagel was only seven. Now 32, he’s “the young guy” on the board of directors for AIDS Calgary. For more than 10 years, he’s been an advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness in many different capacities for the group: communications coordinator, volunteer, donor, committee member, fundraising co-chair, secretary to executive committee of Calgary Cares and now a board member at large since 2003.

“Paul pushes the board to dream big and to think strategically and outside of its comfort zone,” says AIDS Calgary volunteer program coordinator Nikhat Ahmed.

Hagel first got involved with AIDS Calgary on a work practicum for college, but attributes his long-term dedication to the people working at the organization.

“It’s a really meaningful organization to Calgary,” says Hagel. “People are still dying of AIDS and these people are on the frontlines providing support and spreading awareness. I think that’s very admirable.”

As a board member, he helps develop policies and strategic funding initiatives so the agency can be more effective with government agencies, community groups and corporate Calgary. A public relations representative for Shell Canada, Hagel says his employers are very supportive of his using his professional expertise in a volunteer role.

“A lot of people assume it takes a wealth of board experience and knowledge to sit on a board of directors in this city,” says Hagel. In fact, he says, boards welcome younger members to inject new ideas and energy into their initiatives. “Younger people shouldn’t be discouraged from getting involved.”

Describing Calgary as a highly competitive city for non-profits seeking funding dollars, Hagel says, “You have to be really wise and focused about how you communicate about AIDS and get the message out to those who need to hear it. “Seeing an end to the disease — that’s what sustains me.”

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