A Capital Pride Surprise

On Thursday, August 17, more than 50 people were at GenNext East Ontario’s Mix & Mingle: Say it Proud to kick off the start of Pride Week in Ottawa with their event partner, Capital Pride.  

Attendees enjoyed an evening of music sung by Larissa Desrosiers, creating new connections, and a captivating Q&A around the need to act now and speak out in support of 2SLGBTQ+ rights.   

What one person didn’t know was that they would become the next recipient of United Way East Ontario’s Community Builder Award. Capital Pride’s very own Executive Director, Toby Whitfield helped us surprise our recipient by joining them on stage. 

United Way believes that everyone in Prescott-Russell, Ottawa, Lanark County and Renfrew County deserves the chance to be heard, included, supported, and celebrated for who they are. We stand with and celebrate diverse 2SLGBTQ+ communities all year round, and we know we’re better off when we come together to affirm everyone’s experiences and identities.