“My hope is that through greater awareness about our philanthropic sector and by strengthening our community’s non-profits we can create a more connected and healthier community for all.” –Phillip Wong

Philip has worked in the LGBTQ sector for more than 15 years and as much as he’s seen things improve, he notes that there is still more that can be done. As recently appointed co-chairs of the LGBT Giving Network (LGBTGN), Phillip Wong and Jason Patterson held their first social event last week, Cinque a Sept.

Hosted at Glad Day Bookshop this event is primarily social in nature but the intent is to build relationships and strengthen philanthropy between non-profit agencies, donors and businesses. A favourite memory for Phillip was “overhearing smart community-minded people making connections with other smart community-minded people.”

What started as a project of the Community One Foundation, now boasts over thirty member agencies and is comprised of a community advisory board. They also provide philanthropy education and tools to assist member agencies such as the successful philanthropy conference. Like many nonprofits, they rely on volunteer and organizational support from us. Individuals can help by volunteering their time and organizations can apply for membership. For more information about how you could help, please contact them.

Photos courtesy of LGBT Giving Network

About the Author

Raymond Helkio is an author, director filmmaker, and graduate of Ontario College of Art & Design. He currently lives in both Toronto and New York. His most recent play, LEDUC, is now available in paperback. www.raymondhelkio.com