MINTO – For the last six years, Rosie Krul, along with many others, has been creating a safe queer community in the rural area of Minto.
Krul, committee chair and founding member of Minto Pride, had a passion to “find a community of people without having to leave your own town to do it.”
And that’s exactly what Minto Pride has been doing since 2019. The committee’s biggest event is the annual Pride in the Park celebration, to be hosted this year in Palmerston on June 8 from 11am to 4pm.
The event, which officials call a family-friendly celebration of diversity and inclusion, couldn’t happen each year without the help of volunteers in May and June.
“We’ll have different volunteer opportunities … we’ll have readers, parade guides, craft help,” Krul told the Advertiser. “There is lots of different ways people can get involved.”
She also noted the event can be “great for students” looking to complete volunteer hours.
Pride in the Park will again feature entertainment, food vendors, face painting, outdoor games, craft vendors and free activities.
Minto Pride’s volunteer responsibilities can include setting up and taking down events and decorating downtown areas for Pride month.
June is a busy month for the group, but it also host events year round and meets virtually once a month.
“We have two positions available,” Krul said referring to committee member roles. “We could always use help on our social media and marketing.”
Positions on the committee tend to switch up at the end of June, as the group reassesses future plans.
Asked what it’s like to volunteer with Minto Pride, Krul replied, “It’s a great way either for allies to show their support or for members of the queer community to feel that community.”
She added “queer people don’t just live in the city, they live everywhere.”
“If people want to be more a part of the planning side of things we would love to hear their interest on that, too,” Krul said.
“Volunteering in your community is so important … if the volunteer work we have available doesn’t speak to people I would just encourage people to get out and find any volunteer groups in your area.”
Krul emphasized the need for local volunteers, especially younger ones.
“A lot of volunteers are starting to age out and it’s a lot of work for these folks that have been in these volunteer positions for a long time,” she explained.
Those interested in volunteering with Minto Pride or wanting more information can contact the group at town.minto.pride@gmail.com, or fill out an application online by visiting its social media platforms.
