Latest news with #RainbowRun
Irish Independent
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Rainbow Run shows younger generation that Wicklow is a place ‘where everyone belongs'
On what was the most perfect of days, participants gathered on Saturday, May 17, to support Wicklow Pride's mission of fostering acceptance and equality throughout County Wicklow. Patrick Bracken, chairperson of Wicklow Pride, expressed his gratitude for the community's support: "Today embodied everything Wicklow Pride stands for – joy, inclusivity, and community spirit,' he said. 'We're immensely grateful to Shoreline Leisure Centre for providing this wonderful venue and their ongoing support of our initiatives. I'd also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all who sponsored a raffle prize and our tireless committee members who worked behind the scenes to make this event possible, and to everyone who came along – including our furry friends who added so much to the day's energy." "Events like today's Rainbow Run are more than just fundraisers," Patrick added. "They're opportunities for people to come together, to be seen and celebrated for who they are, and to show the younger generation that Wicklow is a place where everyone belongs." The funds raised from the event will support Wicklow Pride's ongoing community initiatives and help ensure the success of the upcoming Wicklow Pride Parade, which will take place on Saturday, July 5.
CBS News
02-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Staten Island St. Patrick's Day Parade celebrates LGBTQ+ groups for first time
Sunday was monumental day for Staten Island's LGBTQ+ community. After being banned from participating for decades, the groups were allowed to march in the borough's St. Patrick's Day Parade. "Queer people belong everywhere" The Pride Center of Staten Island made its debut during the 61st annual celebration in West Brighton. "Queer people belong everywhere," Rainbow Run organizer K.C. Hankins said. "It feels incredible. It feels so good to know that we will not be beaten, not going to be stopped." Hankins had been fighting for years on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community to be included in the celebration. "I just can't stop thinking about the little kids that get to see they are welcome here, too," Hankins said. The Pride Center's executive director, Carol Bullock, said the invitation was extended last November, following a change of leadership within the parade committee, a lot of perseverance, and community support. "We had support from businesses on Forest Avenue and the entire Staten Island community," Bullock said. Event is now about uniting as a community Despite the cold conditions, spectators lined Forest Avenue with their Irish pride on full display. "This is what it's about, our Irish culture, our heritage," Charles McCarthy said. "It's so memorable, especially being an implant from Brooklyn to Staten Island. It carries over our tradition of St. Patrick's Day," Kimberly Malloy added. From dancers to firetrucks to marching bands, everyone had a favorite. But for most in attendance, the day was about celebrating family and uniting as a community, one that now includes everyone. "It brings us together, the family, spend time with my boys, my wife," Alex Baez said. "Staten Islanders have long felt this day is overdue and we are finally here. It's wonderful," John Luisi said.
Yahoo
09-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rainbow Run returns to Cornwall for 11th year
A popular charity fun run is set to return this summer. Taking place at RAF St Mawgan, Newquay, the Rainbow Run Cornwall on June 21 is in aid of Children's Hospice South West (CHSW). The event, now in its 11th year, has collaborated with Penryn-based business Kernow Coatings, which is the new main sponsor. Participants aged five and over can join the 5km run, walking or running through eight different paint stations. Last year, the event saw more than 1,500 participants raise a record-breaking £114,000 for CHSW's Little Harbour children's hospice in St Austell. CHSW event fundraiser Kiley Pearce said: "It is incredible that Rainbow Run is still attracting so many participants of all ages after 11 years. "Alongside families making memories with their children, we see fitness groups and clubs taking part together, businesses using the day as a team-builder, and friends using it as an opportunity for a fun day out. "What is so special is that the event continues to grow in terms of the sponsorship raised, which is down to the dedication and commitment of those taking part, who understand that by participating, they're supporting their local children's hospice. "We thank RAF St Mawgan for allowing us to return each year to use the venue as the home of Rainbow Run." Tickets are now on sale, with a 30 per cent early-bird discount for a limited time. Participants are encouraged to raise £25 in sponsorship individually, or £70 as a family, and every finisher will receive a Rainbow Run medal. Super-duper early-bird tickets are £14 for adults and £7 for children and are available until April 2. Little Harbour supports more than 130 families from across Cornwall and Plymouth through day visits, resilience stays at the hospice, home visits, and virtual support. It costs around £3 million a year to run Little Harbour, which relies almost entirely on voluntary donations.
