Celebrating Pride Month at Copperleaf
For International Pride Month, Copperleaf organized a month-long fundraiser to support Rainbow Refugee, a non-profit organization that promotes safe, equitable migration, and communities of belonging for people fleeing persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or HIV status.
Copperleaf’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) team organized multiple events including a global virtual Drag Queen Bingo event—featuring drag superstar Shequida (who was a huge hit for the second year in a row)—a raffle ticket fundraising campaign, and Pride trivia and a celebratory lunch at our Vancouver headquarters.
This year, we raised close to $10,000 for Habib’s Hope, a Rainbow Refugee Circle of Hope. Habib is an asylum seeker who came to Canada a few years ago, through the help and sponsorship of Rainbow Refugee, after suffering through persecution and a prison sentence for simply being gay. Since then, his family has had to flee to another country to avoid mistreatment and harassment from authorities. The campaign is aiming to raise $75,000 to reunite his family and bring them to Canada. The funds raised will help them establish new roots in their first year in Canada—this includes assisting with the refugee immigration process, finding a place and community to live in, and finding employment.
Last year, we helped Habib’s Hope reach a critical milestone and begin the family’s application process. This year, we’ve helped raise the funding thermometer pass the $45,000 mark! Habib’s family has sent a huge thank you to everyone who has supported their cause.
My family is in constant fear of persecution and your support will go a long way to help them to safety. Thank you so much for your generosity.
Habib, with the support of Rainbow Refugee
We would like to thank everyone who helped organize these events and all those who participated and donated. A special thank you to Chantelle Beaudette, Madeleine Brenner, Rochelle Hardiman, Barb Hedges, Sofia Lord, Guy Soulliere, and Megan Wing for all their efforts in creating such a successful event. Most importantly, it was great to see such energy, joy, and generosity from our Copperleafers!
If you’re interested in making a tangible difference for a family who has shown unconditional support in the face of adversity, you can donate to Habib’s Hope here: