LGBTQ group organizes hands-on alternative after annual event cancelled due to COVID-19
The Louisville Pride Foundation is seeking volunteers for a Day of Service on September 19, the day that would have been the sixth annual Louisville Pride Festival. The Day of Service is the centerpiece of a “Celebration of Community” that will also feature a clothing drive, online trivia, wellness programming, and a virtual town hall meeting about an LGBTQ Community Center. This programming is made possible by the support of Norton Healthcare, Republic Bank, UAW Local 862, and Ford Motor Company.
“When we had to cancel the Festival, we knew that we had to replace it with something special, something that would allow people to be active,” said Louisville Pride executive director Mike Slaton.
Individuals and groups wishing to volunteer can sign up at https://louprideky.org/day-of-service-2020/. Organizations that would like to submit a project can do so as well. Team captains who register will receive a free Louisville Pride t-shirt and can be reimbursed for up to $25 in supplies and refreshments after their project.
“LGBTQ people know the value of community, so we are hoping for a really great turnout,” Slaton said. “We are encouraging neighborhood cleanups as a safe way to volunteer while social distancing, but people can organize other projects as well. We are also organizing a clothing drive for Clothe the West, which provides a no-contact way for people to give back.”
The Louisville Pride Foundation is a 501(C)3 organization that promotes Louisville as one community that celebrates diversity, fosters inclusion for all and embraces the LGBTQA community. The Foundation organizes the free Louisville Pride Festival on Bardstown Road every year. This year’s event was cancelled due to COVID-19.
Anyone interested in volunteering can visit www.louprideky.org or email [email protected].