Pride Run raises record $412,000 for four charities
30th annual event draws runners of all ages honouring loved ones and celebrating the 2SLGBTQ+ community downtown.
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The 30th Pride and Remembrance Run brought runners of all ages through downtown Toronto on Saturday, raising a record $412,000 for four charities: The 519, Casey House, Canvas Programs and the Pride Remembrance Foundation.
Founder Alan Belaiche started the race three decades ago to honour two close friends—one with AIDS, another struggling from diabetes complications. The first run in 1996 raised $8,000 with 320 participants. Saturday's surge reflects how far the event has grown.
Belaiche, speaking through tears, said the community's support moved him deeply. "This run has always been about community and acceptance. We run whatever the weather, whatever your physical shape and we accept everyone," he said.
Lisa Sweetman, a Pride Run ambassador, ran in person for the first time with her wife and two kids. "It's important for me to be here today because this is a community that we're a big part of," she said. "We're here for joy, celebration and remembrance and everything that came before and all the hope we have after."
Runner Bernie Thompson, now 80, started running a few years ago after their identical twin sister died from cancer. Thompson first ran in 2017 as a straight person but began identifying as non-binary in 2018. "[Running] makes me feel joyful," they said. "It's good for my health and mentally too."
Mayor Olivia Chow participated to remember those lost to AIDS, advocate for those diagnosed, and celebrate the kick-off to Pride weekend.