Burlington resident starts GoFundMe page to purchase Pride flags for community members

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Published June 2, 2021 at 5:24 pm

A Burlington resident recently started a GoFundMe page to purchase Pride flags for community members to display on their lawns in support of 2SLGBTQ+ youth and adults.

This comes as a response to the Halton Catholic District School Board’s (HCDSB) decision to not fly the Pride flag this year; a vote that was made back in April during a lengthy four-hour debate at a special meeting.

The motion was initially brought forward by Nicole Hotchkiss, a Grade 12 student at St. Ignatius of Loyola in Oakville and following the decision, many members of the community shared their disappointment on social media.

The fundraiser page, which was started by Nicole Boyd, was created so that the community could come together to show support, acknowledge, accept and show respect for 2SLGBTQ+ youth and adults by displaying flags of their own.

“The pride flag symbolizes hope, dignity, respect, responsibility and pride around the accomplishments the 2SLGBTQ+ community has made and continues to make,” said Boyd on the page.

“We have created a sign showing the Progress Pride Flag that you can display on your lawn in hopes that 2SLGBTQ+ students in your neighbourhood will see this as a sign of support and create hope for a better future.”

There are 100 flags available which cost roughly $8.50 each to produce and will be sold for $10, according to the fundraiser page.

According to the page, all contributions collected will go towards covering the cost of the signs. Additionally, funds received beyond the cost will be donated to the Positive Space Network, a program that builds community and creates safer spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ youth ages 6-24 in Halton Region by creating youth-focused programming, providing mental health support and cultivating community partnerships.

This organization is operated through ROCK Reach Out Centre for Kids, a children’s mental health centre in Halton Region.

“Yes to this! Yes to anything that helps to build community and create safer spaces for 2SLGBTQ+,” read a comment on the page.

“Love is stronger than hate. We support everyone’s right to be openly and authentically YOU,” read another comment.

The page has raised over $6,700, surpassing its initial goal of $3,500.

For more information or to make a donation, click here.

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