Community News

12 AWARDS HANDED OUT AT PRIDE NIAGARA UNITY AWARDS

As part of Pride Week celebrations, Pride Niagara hosted the 10th annual Unity Awards.

Presented by TD, the awards are meant to celebrate individuals, groups, and businesses that have made a positive impact on the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Niagara.

Hosted at Amici's Banquet and Conference Centre on May 31, this year's gala saw 12 awards given out.

Winners were nominated, and then voted for by the community.

And the winners are:

ED ELDRED UNITY AWARD — Jonathan Belgrave

The Eld Eldred award honours an individual who works toward uniting the 2SLGBTQ+ community and raising public and professional awareness in Niagara.

THE JOHNATHON CRAWFORD AWARD — Willow Arts Community

The Johnathon Crawford Award honours someone who identifies with the 2SLGBTQ+ community through the performing arts. It is named in honour of Johnathon Crawford, who was a key person in helping build a strong 2SLGBTQ+ community here in Niagara during a time that was not as accepting.

THE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AWARD — Matthew Aiello

This award recognizes an individual, group, or organization that has made a positive impact in helping or changing the 2SLGBTQ+ community of Niagara.

THE BRENDA AWARD — Bri Irvine BALDWIN

An award of volunteer excellence, the Brenda Baldwin Award recognizes an individual's achievements in furthering positive awareness in Niagara's 2SLGBTQ+ over the past year.

THE OUTSTANDING YOUNG PERSON AWARD — Shyann Jenkins

This award is given to a young individual — age 24 or younger --- that is improving the positive awareness of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, especially with 2SLGBTQ+ youth.

THE OUTSTANDING SCHOOL/ GAY-STRAIGHT ALLIANCE AWARD — Niagara College Rainbow Knights

This award is given to an

academic institution or student-run group that focuses on supporting the young members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community of Niagara in a positive and impactful manner.

THE COMMITMENT AWARD — Meridian Credit Union

This award is given to a Pride Niagara sponsor that has shown strong support,

leadership and vision in the organization.

THE 2SLGBTQ+ POSITIVE BUSINESS AWARD — Fonthill Butcher and Banker Pub

This award is given to any size 2SLGBTQ+ or 2SLGBTQ+ positive business that supports, promotes, and acknowledges the importance of the 2SLGBTQ+ community

within their business.

THE COMMUNITY CULTURE AWARD — Natasha Bell and Blackowned905

This award is given to a community focused individual, group, or local event that has made a strong impact in strengthening, preserving, and celebrating the 2SLGBTQ+ culture within Niagara

and surrounding diverse communities.

BEST PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR AWARD — Richard Krieger a.k.a. Rhonda Richards

This award goes to an outstanding group or individual of the 2SLGBTQ+/2SLGBTQ+ positive community that has performed in 2021-22 within the Niagara Region.

IN NIAGARA

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2023-06-08T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-06-08T07:00:00.0000000Z

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