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Foundation of Hope STRUTS back

LGBTQ charity supporting refugees gears up for their annual launch
strut hope 2016
LGBTQ charity supporting refugees gears up for their annual launch.

With a new venue, new talent, and new partnerships, the Foundation of Hope – Vancouver’s one-of-a-kind registered non-profit charity supporting LGBTQ refugees – launches STRUT, the walk-a-thon designed to raise funds and bring awareness through solidarity to the struggles of new Canadians, for its second year.

“We cannot believe where we’re at,” says Carl Meadows, president of FOH. “We had a vision, and we kept it when we were told we wouldn’t achieve charity status in a Conservative government or that we couldn’t raise enough money.”

After an incredibly successful inaugural run last year that saw FOH raise more than $45,000, Meadows and his team sat down to re-evaluate for this year. With a mandate for diversity, they broadened their board to include representation from women, and people of colour with the additions of Catarina Moreno of Qmunity and Nardia Brown.

“They’re both incredible assets, bringing a very respected wisdom to the table and have made a world of difference,” Meadows says.

With Dean Thullner at the helm of production this year, STRUT’s launch party moves to Celebrities for an evening of fun, fashion and fundraising. Carlotta Gurl, Symone Says and a host of entertainers all volunteering their talents grace the stage along with a foot-focussed fashion show, live auction and 50/50 draw with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. The event is free to the public and serves as the launch for registering to participate in the walk-a-thon or to donate.

Meadows maintains Foundation of Hope remains a community effort, working with organizations like Welcome House, Mosaic and Rainbow Refugee, however the core message is reaching those in need of it most.

“I never guessed we’d have such a broad international appeal,” Meadows says of the organization’s growth. “We’ve received emails from people in Jordan, Syria, and Dubai, looking for help or just thanking us for being here, for being visible.” 

• STRUT launches April 23 at Celebrities Nightclub, kicking off at 6pm.