Running With Pride: BMO Celebrates Longstanding Support of LGBTQ+ Community with 23rd Annual Pride and Remembrance Run Français
- Marks the largest fundraising event held during Toronto's Pride Month celebrations
- To date, the Run has raised more than $1.6 million for local charities that support the LGBTQ+ community
TORONTO, June 15, 2018 /CNW/ - On Saturday, June 23rd, the 23rd annual Pride and Remembrance Run will see thousands of participants lace up for the largest fundraising event held during Toronto Pride Month. BMO Financial Group will once again join racers to show its support as the Platinum Sponsor.
The Pride and Remembrance Run is an annual community run promoting and fostering community spirit, goodwill and sportsmanship in the LGBTQ+ community. The annual 5k run or 3k walk will take place on Saturday, June 23rd, 2018. The run coincides with Toronto Pride, which is devoted to the celebration and support of Toronto's diverse LGBTQ+ community. In addition to being one of the most popular running events in the GTA, the Run raises critical funds for LGBTQ+ projects and initiatives benefiting the community. Over the past 23 years, the Pride and Remembrance Association has raised over $1.6 million for local charities that support the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) community.
This year, participants will raise money to benefit four Toronto Organizations: Women's College Hospital's Transition-Related Surgery Compassionate Fund; LGBT Youth Line's LGBT Youth Connect; Canadian Lesbian Gay Archives' Digital Hub Project; and The Pride and Remembrance Foundation. 100% of the donations made go directly to these organizations as they continue invaluable work that changes the lives of people in communities across Canada.
| WHO: |
Chris Brohman, President, Pride and Remembrance Association |
| Nardine Flaro, Regional Vice President, Toronto Downtown, BMO Bank of Montreal Paul Noble, Vice-President, Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Corporate Secretary, BMO Capital Markets |
|
| WHAT: |
The 23rd Annual Pride and Remembrance Run, supported by BMO Financial Group |
| WHEN: |
Saturday, June 23rd, 2018 |
| 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon ET |
|
| Race begins at 10:00 a.m. ET |
|
| After Run Party Remarks at 11:00 a.m. ET |
|
| WHERE: |
Start/Finish Line: Corner of Church and Wellesley Streets |
| After-Run Party: Barbara Hall Park (519 Church St., Toronto, ON) |
"The commitment we have to fostering inclusion in the workplace is longstanding. Celebrating diversity with our employees, customers and partners in the communities where we do business means a great deal to us," said Darryl White, Chief Executive Officer of BMO Financial Group. "BMO has a powerful diversity and inclusion story to share – 45,000 talented people enrich our workplace with their unique perspectives and abilities. And as a sponsor of the Pride and Remembrance Run for 20 years, we're proud to support participants as they raise critical funds for projects and initiatives that benefit the community."
"For more than 20 years, the Pride and Remembrance Run and the LGBTQ+ community have rallied together with spirit and sportsmanship to show our pride and to give back," said Chris Brohman, President of the Pride and Remembrance Run. "Now, more than ever, it is important that we continue to foster the community spirit that unites us."
The five kilometer run/three kilometer walk kicks off at the start line with warm-ups led by Christopher Roche of the Rosedale Fitness Club. The run begins with a blast of the horn by the legendary Michelle DuBarry.
About the Pride and Remembrance Run
In 1996, three gay athletes founded the Pride and Remembrance Run, an annual five-kilometre run / three-kilometre walk coinciding with Toronto's Pride Week. It was dedicated to partnering the themes of PRIDE and REMEMBRANCE with community celebration and personal achievement.
The Pride and Remembrance Run has become an annual tradition promoting and fostering community spirit, goodwill, volunteerism and sportsmanship in the LGBTQ+ community. For more information, visit priderun.org.
About BMO and Diversity
Diversity, and how we learn from each other's differences, is a core value at BMO. We strive to create an environment that is reflective of the communities we serve; where diverse perspectives are welcome and everyone is comfortable being their authentic selves. As we learn from our differences, we are able to bring together diverse backgrounds, perspectives and communities. Building a diverse and inclusive workplace helps us ensure our employees and customers feel valued, respected and heard.
SOURCE BMO Financial Group
Media Contacts: Kim Johnson, Toronto - [email protected], 416-867-3996; Valérie Doucet, Montreal, [email protected], 514-877-8224
Share this article