My Story…
I started running during the Covid-19 pandemic to get out of my apartment, spend time in the outdoors, and more safely see friends. What started as short 30-45 minute runs once per week eventually snowballed to signing up for my first half marathon, then my first full marathon, and recently my first 50k trail race.
Most of my races, I mainly participate for myself or to support a friend, and raising money is secondary or tertiary. The Toronto pride & remembrance run is different. Before I had even fully moved to Toronto, my then-girlfriend (now-wife) encouraged me to check out Queer Run Club. I attended partially on a whim and partially to see if I could start building a community here in the city. What I found was an incredible group of queer runners, walkers, and coffee shop beverage drinkers, and I am so elated to represent QRC again this year.
Since 2022, I have been proud to raise money for the amazing, often grassroots, charities and organisations dedicated to supporting queer folx of all backgrounds. Having most recently lived in Oklahoma and witnessed the passage of bigoted and harmful legislation that seeks to restrict and eliminate the presence of queer folx in all areas of life, I feel deeply grateful to be able to participate in groups like QRC and races like the pride and remembrance run.
This year's theme is run it forward. I hope that through the donations I earn on this page, I will help run the support, resilience, and joy that I have received and given among my queer community forward to those that need it most. You are loved, and you deserve to be here. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🩷🤍🩵
Description
The pride & remembrance run is dedicated to lifting up and raising funds for important 2SLGBTQ+ programs in the GTA.
These 4 incredible non-profit organizations are doing amazing work in the 2SLGBTQ+ community. The beneficiaries for this year’s run are: the 519, Casey House, Canvas Programs, and the Pride and Remembrance Foundation.
You can find out more about these incredible organizations here.
It’s fast and easy to donate, and tax receipts will be issued for every donation over $20. Every donation matters, as we try to reach our goal of raising $350,000 this year! The projects and initiatives that these organizations are developing will make a difference to so many members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and the community would be so grateful for your donation.
Thanks again for your support and run it forward!
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Achievements
Recent donors
| Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 19 | Miranda & Brad | CA$26.28 |
| Jun 12 | Jennifer | CA$26.28 |
| Jun 04 | Greg and Jana Hammerquist | CA$52.54 |
| Jun 03 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
| Jun 03 | Anne Watanabe | CA$25.00 |
| Jun 03 | Terry & Francine | CA$105.09 |
| Jun 01 | Dana Daniels | CA$52.54 |
| Jun 01 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
| Jun 01 | Wes Davison | CA$26.28 |
| Jun 01 | Rachel Fender | CA$26.28 |
