Bluma Appel,
O.C., O.Ont., L.L.D.

It was with tremendous sadness that the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR) announced the passing of Bluma Appel on July 15th, 2007, one of Canada’s shining stars of philanthropy, particularly in the areas of HIV/AIDS research and the arts in Canada. CANFAR, one of Canada’s oldest AIDS organizations, was founded in 1987 and from the earliest days Bluma served as its leader and tireless advocate. Bluma was instrumental in fighting stigma related to HIV/AIDS in Canada, and she single-handedly opened doors to the private sector and encouraged the Canadian business community to join in the response to the AIDS crisis. In addition to leading the fight against HIV/AIDS and advocating for further research, Bluma was instrumental in reaching Canadian youth with the facts about the virus and was the champion for CANFAR’s national youth awareness program: Have a Heart. Her mark on the Canadian philanthropic sector is unparalleled and her absence will be felt most acutely by so many people and organizations. Without doubt, Bluma will be remembered for her indomitable spirit, unending generosity, and tireless advocacy for so many important causes.

Canada is one of a handful of countries with the capacity and brain-trust to make a significant impact and stem the tide of the global AIDS pandemic. As a permanent resource, an endowment fund in honour of Bluma Appel will guarantee CANFAR’s financial security and help to ensure that the Canadian HIV/AIDS research community will have the resources necessary to sustain their search for an end to the AIDS pandemic.

To contribute online please follow this link.

If you would like to contribute in Bluma’s name, please contact CANFAR at 416-361-6281 or by email at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .