Beginning next month, 50 per cent of some of his sales will be donated to the organization.
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With Pride month just days away from starting – albeit looking a little different this year as a result of COVID-19 – designer Andrew Coimbra has just announced a new brand initiative to help support one of Toronto’s key supporters of the LGBTQS+ community.
Beginning on June 1, 50 per cent of the sales of accessories and the brand’s signature embroidered logo hoodie will be donated to The 519. According to a release, “The 519 supports queer people in a variety of ways, ranging from newcomer settlement and housing services, to providing sexual health resources and Trans-specific support.” Typically, Pride month allows The 519 to raise funds for and awareness of the vitally important work it does, however with celebrations going online this year , Coimbra wanted to make sure a light was still shone on the organization.
“As a gay man it was particularly upsetting to be missing out on the opportunity to celebrate Pride with my friends – not because of the party aspect, but because of the community aspect. That is what really makes Pride so important,” Coimbra tells FASHION. “A huge part of Pride is the events that are hosted by The 519. They are deeply joyous and emotional, and – of course, superficially speaking – just so much fun. The best part, and something that people who attend probably don’t immediately (or maybe ever) realize, is that all of these events are fundraising opportunities for The 519. It’s a huge opportunity for them to engage with the community in a fun, yet meaningful, way.”
Prior to this effort, Coimbra raised money for The United Way of Greater Toronto in April. Supporting organizations like it and The 519 is key for Coimbra in his business. “My perspective in general is to work with organizations that already have established directives and to support them in their needs when and where I/we can. I believe in providing the resources and trusting community facilitators to apply them to the gaps that they have identified. Organizations like The 519 and The United Way of GTA see and help such marginalized communities in many ways that a more ‘issue’-specific organization might overlook, and I connect with that, personally; not just in the context of being queer.”
Shop the pieces in support of The 519 beginning June 1, here.