With Pride Month underway, now’s your chance to connect with the community and be part of one of the capital region’s most exuberant and inclusive events.
There’s just over a week to go until the Victoria Pride Festival makes its triumphant return, and to pull it all together, volunteers are needed now more than ever.
Victoria Pride Society (VPS) says it takes around 200 volunteers to create a safe, positive, and inclusive festival, which takes place next Thursday, June 23rd to Saturday, July 2nd. Currently, VPS is in need of volunteers for June 25th and 26th.
Organizers are recruiting for various positions, including beverage service and merchandise assistants, as well as set up and take down crews and Parade crowd control assistance!
VPS president Britton Kohn tells Victoria Buzz that artist check-in assistants are also needed for several signature events, such as Pride Festival in the Park and the popular Pride Parade.
The latter will see a new route this year, taking marchers east over the Johnson Street Bridge and south onto Wharf Street before turning onto Government, Belleville, and Menzies streets.
Foot traffic only will march down Kingston, Oswego, then onto Niagara Street to enter Pride Festival in the Park.
According to Kohn, volunteers receive a VPS membership after eight hours of volunteering and also get an invite to an exclusive appreciation party while enjoying perks from society partners.
Not only that, they’ll join a revamped society.
Since the last live Pride event in 2019, VPS has undergone several changes, including electing nine new board members, naming a new president, and hiring Deirdre Rowland as its first executive eirector.
Aside from Rowland’s role, all Pride events are 100% volunteer run!
“Together, we will continue to do the work to produce Pride so that all folks feel included; we are already looking forward to more volunteers getting involved,” added VPS president Britton Kohn.
Those interested in volunteering with VPS, who align with the society’s vision, mission, and values, are encouraged to apply online here.
Victoria Pride Parade
- When: Sunday, June 26th at 11 a.m.
- Where: Starts at the Johnson Street Bridge
Pride Festival in the Park
- When: Sunday, June 26th – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Where: MacDonald Park, Niagara Street
