Pride Toronto

Are you all about equality? Is gay okay in your books? Then show your support – become a part of Pride Toronto during your upcoming trip to Ontario’s capital. Pride Toronto is the not-for-profit organization responsible for Pride Week, an annual event in downtown Toronto, which takes place each year during the month of June. This seven day festival celebrates the city’s diverse sexual and gender identities, as well as the histories, cultures and creativities that have evolved from these lifestyles. Toronto car hire travelers with an open minded and a caring heart are encouraged to become a part of this citywide community.

A week of Pride

Pride Week is held during the last week of June. It includes a three-day street festival complete with eight stages of live entertainment, an extensive street fair, food stalls, community booths and a special Family Pride program. The Dyke March and infamous Pride Parade are two of the most popular events of the 10-day celebration, along with the hundreds of off-site parties, fundraisers and galas. Toronto car hire travelers will join more than one million people at this exciting event, which is now recognized as the largest Pride gathering on the planet. Pride Week is one of only eight officially designated City of Toronto “Signature Events,” and is recognized as one if the “Top 50 Festivals in Ontario.” The celebration has also been awarded the “Best Festival in Canada” honour by the Canadian Special Event Industry two years in a row.

Other important Pride events

Toronto car hire travelers are likely familiar with Toronto Pride Week and the Toronto Pride Parade. But these aren’t the only events hosted by Toronto Pride. The organization is in charge of over a dozen annual events including Winter Pride, Hallowe’en Pride and Youth Pride. Each event is slightly different in theme, but all celebrate acceptance, empowerment and community. If you’re interested in attending one of these unique gatherings during your upcoming Toronto car hire vacation, please visit the official Pride Toronto website at www.pridetoronto.com for more information.

Awarding those who support equality

Each year, Pride Toronto holds a star-studded Gala and Awards night honouring the individuals and organizations that have had a positive impact on the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual and transgendered communities. The night, which includes a paired dining experience and silent auction, also provides Toronto car hire travelers with another way to engage with the local Pride community. Businesses can sponsor tables at the gala for a small fee. To learn more about the Gala and Awards banquet, or to purchase tickets or sponsor a table, please call 416-927-7433 or email gala@pridetoronto.com.

Get involved with Pride

Want to show the world how much you care? Then why not volunteer at an upcoming Pride event? Toronto Pride is always looking for compassionate volunteers, especially when it comes to Pride Week. More than 100 volunteers work year round on 19 committees at the organization, while hundreds of seasonal volunteers pitch in to help during special events. Who are these volunteers? Many of them are Toronto car hire travelers just like you! There are teachers, activists, writers, students, bankers, entertainers, youth workers, and oh so many more. Pride Toronto is always looking for four different types of volunteers:

• Weekend Volunteers: These folks help run all aspects of the annual festival. Why you volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to meet some fantastic people, as well as received a reference letter and plenty of event swag.
• Committee Members: The volunteers contribute ideas. Creativity and innovation all year round. Committees meet for a total of 2 or 3 hours a week.
• Committee Coordinators: Coordinators act as the chair of the Committee to ensure goals and objectives are met. They volunteer about 5 to 7 hours a week.
• Board Directors: Applications for directors are accepted every fall. If you are interested, please email volunteer_program@pridetoronto.com.

Want to learn more about Pride Toronto? Then don’t be afraid to reach out and contact the organization by phone at 416-927-7433 or email office@pridetoronto.com.