Five Years of Building Belonging: Celebrate With Us by Joining the 5x5 Challenge
Today is a day to celebrate.
Five years ago today, July 15, 2021, Advocacy Canada was founded by Wilbur Turner with a simple and powerful vision: to create safer, more inclusive communities where 2SLGBTQIA+ people are supported, celebrated, and experience belonging in the Central Okanagan and beyond.
What began as a small group of passionate volunteers has grown into a thriving organization that has touched thousands of lives across the Okanagan and the country. Today, as we celebrate our fifth anniversary, we’re also looking to the future—and inviting our community to help write the next chapter.
Five Years of Impact
Over the past five years, Advocacy Canada has become a leader in advocacy, education, accessibility, and community connection.
Together with our volunteers, partners, donors, and supporters, we’ve created opportunities for people to connect, learn, celebrate, and feel seen through community-building initiatives including:
- Annual 50+ Pride celebrations, Trans Day of Visibility events, and Trans Day of Remembrance commemorations.
- Queer documentary film screenings that inspire conversation and understanding.
- Public rallies supporting Drag Story Time and trans rights.
- Monthly 50+ Pride Breakfasts and weekly Rainbow Men’s Coffee meetups that foster connection and reduce isolation.
- Partnerships with organizations across the region to advance equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
We’ve also helped spark conversations throughout the community. From collaborating with the Okanagan Regional Library on the Transform the Words art installation—turning misinformation into information—to launching the You Belong billboard campaign that welcomed millions of people entering Kelowna, every initiative has shared one clear message: everyone deserves to belong.
Help Shape the Next Five Years
While we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together, we know there’s still important work ahead. That’s why we’re excited to officially launch our first major fundraising campaign: the 5×5 Challenge.
Created in celebration of our fifth anniversary, the 5×5 Challenge is a ten-week fundraising campaign that invites individuals, families, workplaces, teams, and community groups to help expand Advocacy Canada’s impact.
Participating is simple. Become a fundraiser and invite five people to donate $50 each. Together, those five gifts create meaningful change. Whether you choose to become a fundraiser, donate, or encourage others to get involved, you’ll be helping Advocacy Canada continue to:
- Deliver life-changing community programs.
- Expand education and awareness initiatives.
- Advocate for safer, more inclusive communities.
- Create welcoming spaces where everyone feels they belong.
Join Us
The progress we’ve made over the past five years has only been possible because of people like you. Today, we’re inviting you to celebrate this milestone by becoming part of our future.
Sign up as a 5×5 Challenge fundraiser or make a donation today. Every gift helps create safer, more connected, and more inclusive communities for 2SLGBTQIA+ people across the Okanagan and beyond.
Thank you for believing in a community where everyone belongs. Here’s to the next five years—and everything we’ll accomplish together.
