RAISING HOPE: The Foundation of Hope was originally born out of a desire by a group of friends to help a Syrian couple immigrate to Canada. After successfully helping the gay refugees settle in Vancouver, the group sought to do more. Realizing a queer refugee’s path is neither simple nor easy, the group formed a registered charity to provide financial assistance to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) actively supporting LGBT+ refugees and newcomers. Operated by a working board of volunteers, the charity recently hosted a Pride fundraiser. Local realtor Kevin Perra welcomed several hundred attendees to his West End party. An eclectic crowd that included divas, artists, philanthropists and community leaders made the scene to help raise funds for the fledgling organization, which celebrates its first anniversary this month.
HIGH LIGHTS: McLaren Housing hosted its 11th annual Sparkle Gala. Society chair Michael Hoche greeted nearly 100 lucky guests on the 34th floor of Scotiabank Tower for one of the best vantage points to view the Celebration of Light fireworks. The event supports Canada’s longest serving agency devoted to providing affordable housing for individuals and families dealing with HIV/AIDS, addiction and homelessness in Metro Vancouver. Revelers enjoyed complimentary cocktails, fabulous bites and poured over auction items before the big light show from Team Brazil. A $5,000 cheque from Scotiabank got the philanthropic fires going. And by evening’s end, a reported $20,000 was generated to support McLaren Housing’s portable subsidies program, providing clients financial assistance to remain in their own homes.
NIGHT MOVES: One of Vanhattan’s iconic gay spaces, the Odyssey Nightclub, reopened in time for Pride. Shuttered five years ago, the popular hangout resurfaces in Vancouver’s business district. Led by business operator Bijan Ahmadian, the lawyer and former UBC Alma Mater Student Society president welcomed community members to the grand opening of the new 5,000 square foot party palace located in the former Pop Opera space on West Hastings Street. A spiffier version of its former self, familiar elements such as the multi-purpose stage, dance poles and signature shower remain. Ahmadian is hopeful the new space — designed based on feedback from the community to reflect a diverse range of needs and uses — will be a gathering place once again bringing people together to dance, watch great performances, and to engage with one another.
