New Fundraiser to Bridge the Gap for 2SLGBTQ Youth
For over 25 years, Sherbourne Health’s Supporting Our Youth (SOY) program has provided essential support to 2SLGBTQ youth in Toronto. The program has helped thousands of young people access services, build community, and develop skills to thrive. In recent years, SOY’s annual Bowlathon became a much-anticipated event that brought people together for a shared cause.
This year, with the final Bowlathon now behind us, we’re excited to introduce a new fundraiser: SOY Bridging the Gap. This campaign will help sustain SOY’s critical programs until the launch of Sherbourne Health’s new signature event in 2025. With a goal to raise $25,000, we are calling on the community to help us continue supporting 2SLGBTQ youth across the city.
“We are so grateful for the ongoing support from the community,” says Nadjib Alamyar, Senior Program Manager, Community Programs and Capacity Building Initiatives. “This new fundraiser is our way of ensuring that SOY can keep offering the vital services our youth rely on.”
Ways You Can Support SOY
There are many ways to get involved in the Bridging the Gap fundraiser. Whether you donate, start a fundraiser, or bid in our online auction, your support will have a direct impact on 2SLGBTQ youth.
- Donate: Your contribution funds essential services for 2SLGBTQ youth. Every dollar helps.
- Fundraise: Start a fundraiser and rally your network to help us reach our goal. Top fundraisers will be entered to win some great prizes!
- Bid: Over 35 local businesses have contributed amazing auction items. Bid now and help bridge the gap for 2SLGTBQ youth.
- Spread the word: Share our #SOYBridgingTheGap campaign to raise awareness and help us reach our goal.
Lifesaving Support for 2SLGBTQ Youth
SOY offers a welcoming space where 2SLGBTQ youth can access resources to help them reach their goals. Programs include daily drop-ins, mentorship, housing support, and mental health services. Youth like Faith, who won her refugee claim with the help of SOY, have found critical support through the program:
“With the unwavering support of SOY and my Youth Resource Worker, I won my refugee claim. They helped me with everything—from registering for school to finding housing and clothes. SOY gave me hope and made me believe in myself again.”
The need for these services has never been greater. In Canada, 2SLGBTQ youth face disproportionately high rates of harassment and discrimination. 28% of trans and non-binary youth say they rarely or never feel safe at home, while 36% don’t feel safe at school (Source). SOY’s programs help provide a safe space where youth can access not only food and housing, but also the mental health care and social supports they need.
Grace, another SOY participant, shares her experience:
“Since I started attending SOY, I’m sure I have at least one meal a day, which takes away the worry about food so I can focus on my studies and do well in school.”
Looking Forward
In the past year alone, SOY has supported over 1,700 drop-in visits and made more than 500 referrals to social and mental health services. With demand for its services continuing to grow, the Bridging the Gap fundraiser is critical to ensuring SOY can meet the needs of 2SLGBTQ youth in Toronto.
As Anu, a participant at SOY, says:
“Coming to SOY, I found my space where I can be who I am without fear.”
SOY has been a vital lifeline for youth like Anu, and with the support of our community, we can continue to make a difference. We invite you to join the Bridging the Gap fundraiser and help ensure that SOY remains a safe and supportive space for 2SLGBTQ youth.
Together, we can bridge the gap for 2SLGBTQ youth.