After two years of cancelled events, West Island Community Shares hosted its first in-person fundraising evening on Monday, June 6, to the delight of close to 250 guests. Business leaders, supporters & donors gathered for the first edition of the Cocktail en blanc, which raised $144,000.
The many significant events of the past two years with respect to the BIPOC and LGBTQ2+ communities have encouraged us to take a step back and possibly reconsider some of the ways we do things and think. Many employers have joined in the thinking to create a more inclusive workplace that supports the success of all people.
"I am a survivor of the gay purge in the Canadian public services. After years of silence and self-doubt," explained Martine Roy, Regional Manager, TD Bank, "I have used my personal experience to become a staunch advocate for the LGBTQ2+ community inside
and outside my workplace, to make sure that history doesn't repeat itself."
Under the theme of diversity and inclusion, the first edition of the Cocktail en blanc highlighted the stories of exemplary individuals and their employers who are striving to improve inclusion and equity in the workplace. National Bank of Canada, Pfizer Canada, Spinelli, RBC Royal Bank, Baylis Medical Technologies, Broccolini and TD Bank are part of this shift and are embracing a paradigm in which diversity, in all its aspects and identities, is a priority.
"Change won't happen overnight, but these individuals & their employers are taking huge strides toward creating a workplace where everyone feels comfortable being themselves. We're hoping that the community will be inspired by our honourees who lead the change and will take their own actions to make their workplace a more inclusive environment." – Sophie McCann, Executive Director, West Island Community Shares.
