The theme of this year’s Pride celebration is “You belong here.”
As a public gathering space, Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC) has a responsibility to ensure that Assiniboine Park is safe and welcoming to all in our community. We can help members and supporters of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community feel a sense of belonging here by creating an environment and providing experiences that encourage inclusiveness, kindness, and acceptance.
During Pride Week APC hosted Pride in the Park, with activities for people of ages taking place at Assiniboine Park Zoo and The Leaf.
In recognition of our Pride in the Park event, we pledged to donate 15% of admission sales from the Zoo and The Leaf on Saturday, May 27 to two organizations supporting the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community here in Manitoba – the Rainbow Resource Centre and Sunshine House. Visitors also made personal donations while enjoying activities at the Zoo and The Leaf. Thanks to community support, we donated $6,188.26, split evenly between these two organizations.
APC also hosted a flag-raising ceremony at the Mayor’s Grove to kick off Pride Month, which will continue to be honoured with events and activities all over Winnipeg from May 26 to June 30. The brief ceremony acknowledged the hard work of APC’s Pride Committee and kicked off our celebration of Pride.
The Winnipeg Pride Parade was held on Sunday, June 4, and APC was pleased to participate with a colourful float and many staff members attending.
While we are happy to join in on the fun and celebration during Pride Month, APC’s commitment to nurturing a sense of community within our Park that makes all feel welcome, accepted, and comfortable to be themselves endures throughout the year!
