FOR IN-KIND GIVING Please contact giving@the519.org for more information

In 2022, The 519 and Homes First opened a shelter dedicated to 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers who have arrived through a refugee pathway. Pacewood prioritizes trans, gender diverse and non-binary folks, and is the first shelter space exclusively for 2SLGBTQIA+ adults in Toronto.

We’re raising funds to send a group of queer newcomers and 2SLGBTQ+ residents from Pacewood on a transformative overnight camping trip to Cedars Campground in Hamilton. Cedars Campground has generously donated the camping sites and Steel City Inclusive Softball Association has banned together to get donations of camping gear and supplies, as their end of year camping trip coincides and enhances the building of community.

Bringing queer newcomers to a queer softball celebration at a queer campground creates a powerful sense of belonging and safety, which is essential for successful settlement and mental well-being. Many queer refugees arrive feeling isolated and disconnected from both their cultural and LGBTQIA+ communities. This experience offers more than camping and recreation—it provides an affirming environment where they can build friendships, experience joy without fear of judgment, and connect with a supportive network. Being in a queer-centered space, surrounded by nature and celebration, reinforces identity, reduces stress, and promotes resilience. It also introduces residents to positive social opportunities outside nightlife, encouraging healthy integration into the broader queer community

This is more than a one-time event. Our goal is to make the Cedars Camping Trip an annual tradition, coinciding with Steel City Inclusive Softball Association’s end-of-year camping trip to bring the community of queer sport into the mix. We hope to expand this partnership with Cedars Campground & Steel City Inclusive Softball Association in future years to include more programs and clients of The 519.

What Your Support Will Make Possible:

• A full overnight camping experience with access to Cedars Campground pool, karaoke, and a community bonfire

• A drag-hosted event run by the incredible Noella DeVille & Angelica Spice

• Connection with Steel City Inclusive Softball Association (SCISA), introducing them to the world of queer sport

• Transportation to and from Cedars Campground for residents and staff

• Funding to expand the event next year to more programs of The 519

Why It Matters

When I took residents to a public pool in Toronto, many still felt they had to hold back. Cedars offers a space where they can truly be themselves—free from judgment, surrounded by community, and immersed in the camping experience, while SCISA offers recreation and a way to connect with community outside of nightlife. This trip is about healing, joy, and building lasting connections.

How You Can Help

• Donate: Every contribution helps make this trip possible.

• Share: Spread the word with your networks.

“This trip could be life-changing. It’s a chance for our residents to feel joy, safety, and belonging in a way they rarely get to experience.”

— Levi Barton, 2SLGBTQ+ Housing Supports Coordinator

Thank you for helping us create a space where queer newcomers can breathe, laugh, and be themselves.

Cedars Campground | LGBTQ camping | 1039 Concession 5 West, Millgrove, ON, Canada

Steel City Inclusive Softball Association : Powered by TeamLinkt

Noella's Bingo