Dear Friends and Family, 

This winter, I’m asking for your support to make a real difference. Raising Little Allies, the book club I started in 2020, is hosting its first fundraiser and volunteering event to support unhoused 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in t’karonto (Toronto).

When I came out last year, I was lucky.

I had friends and family who stayed by my side. When I moved out, I had a safe and welcoming place to land. When I needed help—whether it was food, warm clothes, or just someone to listen—it was there.

Even with all of this support, it was one of the most difficult years of my life. I struggled emotionally, mentally, and socially in ways that were overwhelming. The support I had made the difference between surviving and sinking.

Not everyone has that.

Far too many young 2SLGBTQIA+ people face rejection from their families when they come out. They are left without homes, without resources, and without the safety and love every person deserves. They struggle to meet their most basic needs—food, shelter, warmth—while carrying the deep pain of being turned away by the people who were supposed to care for them.

This is a reality no one should have to face, and it’s why I’m asking for your help.

Together, we can step in where others have failed. We can offer shelter, food, and the support needed to rebuild their lives.

Our goal is to raise $5000 and assemble Winter Warmth & Hygiene Kits—including socks, gloves, hats, scarves, and essential hygiene items. These kits will do more than provide warmth; they’ll be a reminder that someone cares, that these young people are seen and valued.

Organizations like Friends of Ruby are already working tirelessly to provide these lifelines, but they need more support. This fundraiser is my way of giving back, of ensuring that young 2SLGBTQIA+ people who feel abandoned know they aren’t alone.

I know firsthand how transformative it is to feel supported during a hard time. That’s why I’m inviting you to join me.

Let’s come together to make sure these young people have what they need to feel safe, supported, and hopeful. Your contribution—whether it’s time, resources, or simply spreading the word—can make a tangible impact.

How You Can Help

GRANT A WISH

Donate by making a purchase towards a wish item or kit. Every dollar goes directly towards Warm Winter & Hygiene Kits through Kits for a Cause, a Canadian social enterprise committed to creating positive social impact. Purchases will include a donation receipt from our partner Unity Values Foundation.

Show Me Their Wishes

VOLUNTEER

We need your helping hands! We're looking for kit packers of all ages to come by on Sunday, January 19, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Ace Golf Bar & Lounge (at Pape Ave and Eastern Ave). Children are welcome to doodle or write their messages of hope to send along with the kits. Sign up to join us!
Count Me In!

GIVE IN-KIND GIFTS

Stop by to bring in-kind gifts in-person. A donation bin has been set up at Ace Golf Bar & Lounge from Dec 13 to Jan 3rd. Please review the list of drop-off donations items needed. Before coming by, check out Ace's holiday hours and address.

SHARE

Spread the word! Share our fundraiser with friends, family, and coworkers. Click one of the social media icons at the top of this page.

Let's Make an Impact

Our volunteers will pack and deliver these kits to Friends of Ruby, a local charitable organization offering crucial support to unhoused 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in need. 

We hope you’ll join us in making a meaningful impact whether through a donation, volunteering, or simply sharing this effort, every action counts.

Thank you for standing with me in this effort to create a kinder, more inclusive world. Let’s bring a little extra warmth to the world this winter.

With gratitude,

Lucy Song

Founder, Raising Little Allies

FUNDRAISING IN SUPPORT OF Friends of Ruby Charitable Registration #: 709180889 RR 0001

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Kits for a Cause, and Unity Values Foundation

EVENT SPONSORED BY Ace Golf Bar & Lounge

HOSTED BY  Raising Little Allies, founded in 2020, began as an online book club for caregivers passionate about gentle parenting, anti-racism, anti-oppression, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organization striving to be the change—beginning in our home.