Journal staff
The second annual ‘Inspire’ fundraiser returns to Sarnia-Lambton this month, following a successful launch in 2022, says Chantel Butterfield.
“Last year, we hosted our inaugural Inspire event,” said the executive director at the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Centre Sarnia-Lambton. “We were thrilled with the response from the community at having a diversity-focused event like this, and with the funds raised for the centre, we were able to build new programs for the community.”
The event, happening May 27 from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. outdoors on the grounds of the Fox & Hound Canine Retreat in Bright’s Grove, aims to showcase diverse voices and celebrate intersectionalities — the connection between different identities like race, gender identity, class sexuality and ability — in the community.
This year’s event features keynote speaker Jamie Pandit — a Bangladeshi-Canadian trans woman and well known creator and influencer.
She’ll be joined by Laureal Ysebeart, owner and founder of Ysebeart Acres in Courtright, a champion of women in agriculture and advocate for LGBTQ2S+ folks the community.
The event also features local musician Cynthia Fay, and local radio personality Sarah Woodley as MC.
“We are so happy to have Jamie, Laurel and Cynthia grace the INSPIRE stage and can’t wait to bring the community together again for this event,” said Butterfield, adding that all the proceeds stay in Sarnia-Lambton to support vital programs at the centre.
The event will also feature a gourmet meal by LOCAL Wyoming, a fashion show curated by The ReFound store, awards for local change-makers, a curated vendor area, as well as fundraising games and giveaways.
Tickets are available through Eventbrite, and more information can be found on the INSPIRE Facebook page.
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: INSPIRE 2023
WHERE: The Fox & Hound Canine Retreat, Bright’s Grove
WHEN: Saturday, May 27, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
DETAILS: For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/inspiresarnia
For tickets, click here.
