Donor Spotlight: pride & remembrance run

December 2024

The pride & remembrance run has been a longtime supporter and partner of The 519. We chatted with Jonathan iu, President of the Pride and Remembrance Association to dig deep and find out more about the organization’s history, the impact they’re creating in community and why The 519’s Youth Action and Arts Space (YAAS) and Kids Action and Arts Space (KASS) resonated with them.

In your own words, tell us more about the Pride and Remembrance Association?

The Pride and Remembrance Association (PRA) is a nonprofit organization run by volunteers dedicated to fundraising for charities that support the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Since 1996, we have been putting on the Annual Pride & Remembrance Run – Canada’s largest and longest-running pride-themed athletic event that fundraises for charities across the nation. In 2010, the Pride and Remembrance Foundation (PRF) was founded to serve as the charitable arm of the Run to support beneficiaries in health, education, legal, cultural and social service sectors that benefit our community.  

For 28 years, the Run has played a special role in Toronto as the only family-friendly, athletic event on the Saturday morning of Toronto’s Pride weekend. We offer a kids’ run, and a 5 km run or 3 km walk for adults. It brings together the diverse facets of our community, supportive allies, beloved friends, families and colleagues in Toronto’s historical Gay Village to commemorate the progress and diversity of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, to stand in solidarity with our BIPOC, trans and gender expansive members who continue to face marginalization, and to reflect in memory of the lives that have been lost to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and continue to be lost. People from all walks of life participate in our run, from walkers looking to enjoy the event’s vibrant atmosphere to recreational runners to competitive athletes, everyone is there for one singular objective – to foster inclusivity and celebrate all of the colours of the 2SLGBTQ+ spectrum.

Tell us about why you’ve supported The 519?

We love The 519.  In a time where many facets of our community face increasing challenges, The 519 is a vital hub in Toronto’s Gay Village that fosters community pride, support and connection. Their essential services such as housing assistance, programs tailored for kids, youth, seniors, and marginalized groups such as Black, racialized, Indigenous and newcomer 2SLGBTQ+ individuals all serve to strengthen Toronto’s social fabric.

As a major supporter of The 519’s Youth Action and Arts Space (YAAS) and Kids Action and Arts Space (KAAS) this year, why are these programs important to you?

These programs are important for the Pride and Remembrance Association and Foundation to support because we believe there is immeasurable value to be found in a supportive, inclusive, and empowering environment for Two-Spirit, queer, trans, and non-binary youth, and the children of queer and trans families.

Speaking from the point of view of an aging millennial, as corny as it sounds, the youth and kids ARE the future. They are instrumental in building the space shared collectively by all members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. It is important to curate an environment that allows them to experience the empowerment of themselves and understanding for others.

To grow up with a sense of belonging and confidence is a privilege that unfortunately has not always been accessible to many members of our community. Through Youth Action and Arts Space (YAAS) and Kids Action and Arts Space (KAAS), we wish to help support progression towards a harmonious society where marginalized groups have an opportunity to be seen, be heard and be valued at an early age. This can in turn drive broader societal changes towards normalizing equality and visibility for all.

Anything else you would like us our readers to know?

The application window to be a charitable beneficiary of the 2025 Pride & Remembrance Run just opened! To date, the Run has raised over $3.3 million for beneficiaries. We are looking to fund projects that will have substantial positive impacts on the well-being of 2SLGBTQ+ communities. You can visit our website at https://www.priderun.org/2025-call-for-beneficiaries to find out more about our 2025 Call for Beneficiaries. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @priderunto