Editor:
As the president of the newly incorporated Delta Pride Society and one of the organizers of this year’s event, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved for supporting the second annual Delta Pride Picnic that was held on Aug. 31 at Ladner’s Memorial Park.
We had such a great turn-out this year. From the young to the young-at-heart, everyone seemed to have a wonderful time at this great inclusive community event. Many enjoyed the activities, the games, the food and the networking.
As members of the LGBTQ+ community in Delta, we have also been encouraged over this past year by seeing the rainbow flag being raised both at city hall and in front of the school district office for the first time. This was truly heartwarming to our community and displays the fact that Delta is a place of acceptance to all her citizens and to demonstrate that hate has no place here.
We are also thrilled to see that Delta council has approved four rainbow benches to be installed at various community centres. Again, an awesome symbol of inclusivity for all.
I would especially like to thank the many sponsors and supporters of this event, in specific, and our non-profit society, in general, starting with our dignitaries who came and brought greetings to those attending: Delta MP Carla Qualtrough, South Delta MLA Ian Paton, acting mayor Coun. Dylan Kruger, police Chief Neil Dubord and school trustee Val Windsor.
I would also like to thank the Delta Police Department for its attendance and resource table, the BC Ambulance Service and its beautiful Pride Ambulance, the Ladner Pioneer Library and Library Live, PFLAG for its presence and resource table, and the Blanche MacDonald volunteers who provided face painting for everyone.
I would also like to thank our corporate sponsors: Tsawwassen Town Centre Mall, PJB Mechanical, Mopnmow Building Services, Vinca’s Kitchen, Stir Coffee House, Lawlor’s Goldsmith Shoppe, Save-On Foods, Thrifty Foods, Dairy Queen and Backroads Family Farm Market.
I would also like to thank our speakers for their inspiring presentations: Rhiannon Bennett, a Musqueam community member who opened our event and set the tone, and Hana Kadach, a recent high school graduate who related an inspiring story of growing up in our small community.
I would also like to thank my fellow organizers for this wonderful event: Kutrina Shumuk, Christa Horita-Kadach, Radina Droumeva and Lydia Elder. This event would not have happened if not for all your hard work.
Last, but certainly not least, I would love to thank all of those who attended the picnic. Firstly, those who fall under the LGBTQ+ umbrella, for being you and being brave enough to come out and showing that “Love is Love.” I know it is not always easy, even in 2019, to make your true self known to the public and for that, I commend you and thank you very, very much.
And to our allies, a big thank you as well. Without your support, our lives would be so much smaller and much more fraught with discrimination, intolerance and possible violence. It isn’t too far away from where we live that the basic human rights all of us are entitled to, and for which our community has fought for, for so long, are being stripped away. Our allies are part of our strength. Thank you very much for all that you do in supporting us and helping us live as our true complete selves.
John Darras
President
Delta Pride Society
