Regina celebrities ready to shantay and slay in fundraiser for LGBTQ2S+ youth shelter
Some of Regina’s best-known personalities are raising money for “Walk the Walk,”a celebrity drag show and fundraiser for Regina’s LGBTQ2S+ youth.
The event will feature 12 local celebrities, including Mayor Sandra Masters, Morgan Campbell, anchor of CTV News Regina at 6 and Trent Wotherspoon, MLA for Regina Rosemont. All participants are tasked with raising money for Lulu’s Lodge, a transitional youth shelter for LGBTQ2S+ youth.
“Forty per cent of all homelessness is part of my community, the LGBTQ2S community. So there’s a high need for a home such as this,” said Terry Van Mackelberg, also known by his drag personal, Flo Mingo.
The goal is to raise $100,000 to pay off a portion of the house purchased by Lulu’s Lodge last year. According to the John Howard Society, which runs the lodge, the funds would offer the chance to be more be lenient with rent when individuals are transitioning to different housing placements or income sources.
“Homelessness is an issue for the community, as is underemployment,” Mayor Sandra Masters said. “So, when you get offered the chance to participate in something so fun, and the ability to raise money to assist with this housing, it seems natural.”
Celebrity participants were required to raise a minimum of $1,000 to enter the competition, while $2,000 raised affords participants a local drag mentor. Celebrities who raise $5,000 will be able to perform alongside their drag mentor and $10,000 raised buys them out of the competition.
“I think it’s very important for our community leaders to show that we care about these things and we want to make our city a more welcome and inclusive place,” said Tina Beaudry-Mellor, who currently leads in funds raised.
Van Mackelberg, who organized the event, is set to perform alongside the slate of celebrities in full drag.
“It’s very elegant, extravaganza I call it,” he said. “So very over the top. We’re going to have your regular drag performances, people who do this for a profession, but we’re going to have some newbies out there, and I’m excited to see what they’re going to bring to the table.”
The sold-out event will take place on Aug. 28 at the Ramada Plaza, but the event can be supported through online donations to the celebrity participants.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn’t over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball’s highest scorer Caitlin Clark’s first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Cat found on Toronto Pearson airport runway 3 days after going missing
Kevin the cat has been reunited with his family after enduring a harrowing three-day ordeal while lost at Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier this week.
N.L. gardening store revives 19th century seed-packing machine
Technology from the 19th century has been brought out of retirement at a Newfoundland gardening store, as staff look for all the help they can get to fill orders during a busy season.