PRITA CHHABRA JOINS THE FIGHT TO END AIDS

Canadian recording artist becoming an ambassador for the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research on World AIDS Day 2010

StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto- Toronto, ON – After witnessing the devastating impact of AIDS in Malawi, Canadian recording artist Prita Chhabra announced today that she is joining the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR) as its newest ambassador in the fight to end AIDS through research.

Chhabra will help CANFAR raise awareness about the importance of research as the only solution that will end the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Chhabra was visiting Malawi when she was first touched by the HIV/AIDS cause. Inspired to follow her musical dreams, she began using song to share the stories of people affected by HIV/AIDS.

Chhabra has become a familiar new face in the Canadian pop music industry, and has now partnered with CANFAR to help put an end to AIDS. She is also very proud to be the first recording artist of South Asian heritage to be appointed as an ambassador of a national Canadian charity.

“When I was in Malawi, I met so many children orphaned because AIDS took their mothers and fathers. I want to live in a world where no child has to grow up without their parents because of this horrifying disease,” said Chhabra. “That’s why I am working together with CANFAR – because I believe we can end AIDS through the incredible research being done right here in Canada.”

Chhabra will be working with CANFAR to reach out to Canadians and explain the importance of funding Canadian AIDS research through her many concerts and school visits. Her first appearance as a CANFAR ambassador takes Chhabra to speak to students at Pierre Elliott Trudeau high school in Markham, Ontario on December 1, observed internationally as World AIDS Day 2010.

“We are thrilled to have Prita join the CANFAR team,” said Christopher Bunting, CANFAR’s President. “Her talent, energy and compassion are fantastic assets in the fight against AIDS and will help us spread the message that we can end AIDS together, through research.”

“Canada is incredibly well-equipped to find a cure for AIDS. We have top-of-the-line facilities in our hospitals and universities, and we have the brain trust in the scientists searching for a cure,” said Chhabra. “Through CANFAR, Canadians have an opportunity to contribute to research that has the power to change the world. Together, we can find the cure for AIDS.”

ABOUT HIV/AIDS:

• Globally, 33 million people are infected with HIV. Two million are children.

• AIDS-related illnesses remain one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

• Women account for half of HIV-positive adults.

• The number of people living with HIV has increased by 20 per cent since 2000.

Statistics from the UNAIDS 2009 AIDS Epidemic Update

ABOUT CANFAR:

The Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research is Canada’s only independent charitable foundation dedicated to eliminating HIV/AIDS through research. By funding promising Canadian HIV/AIDS research, and spreading awareness through educational campaigns, CANFAR is working to end AIDS globally. To date, CANFAR has provided $17 million to HIV/AIDS research projects. Visit CANFAR.com for more information.
ABOUT PRITA:

Canadian in appearance, Indian in origin, and universal in appeal - Prita's energetic pop music has been known to move audiences across Canada and internationally; both physically and emotionally. With a JUNO-nominated producer behind her, Prita recently released her debut EP on iTunes and was also nominated as ‘Best Female Act’ at the 2010 Toronto Independent Music Awards. Prita has also sung the national anthem at Parliament Hill, and for numerous major sports teams including the Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic and Toronto Blue Jays. Visit PritaMusic.com for more information.