Upper Canada Mall and Hillcrest Mall are once again partnering with York Pride to bring community events to York Region in celebration of Pride Month.
This is the third year the shopping centres are joining forces with York Pride as official community partners, making a $10,000 donation to commemorate the partnership.
In 2025, York Pride will be celebrating its 25th anniversary and is cementing community partnerships that support and amplify the organization’s commitment to representation, such as those with Upper Canada Mall and Hillcrest Mall. This year, York Pride is prioritizing accessibility, launching a low-sensory space at the festival and accessible viewing spaces.
“Upper Canada Mall and Hillcrest Mall have been committed community partners, sharing York Pride’s values of compassion, respect and understanding,” says Jacob Gal, director of operations at York Pride. “Collaborating with the shopping centres has allowed us to create a dialogue in a space where guests eat, shop and celebrate, demonstrating that Pride can be for everyone of all ages.”
“Our partnership with York Pride ensures that everyone who enters our malls feel represented during Pride Month and beyond, kickstarting conversations about visibility and inclusion,” says Ryan Da Silva, Upper Canada and Hillcrest Mall’s director and general manager. “This collaboration reinforces our role as a community resource and meeting place for fostering awareness, compassion, and diversity in the region.”
Upper Canada Mall will be hosting events June 8 to 9, from noon to 5 p.m. at Market Court, with Hillcrest Mall’s events happening June 22 from noon to 5 p.m. at Centre Court, bookending York Pride’s celebrations on June 15. Festivities will include a photo wall, a gumball machine where the gumballs feature keywords to ignite conversations, face painting and friendship bracelet making. Representatives from York Pride will be on site to share community resources.
More information can be found on the malls’ websites:
- Upper Canada Mall: uppercanadamall.com/pride-2024
- Hillcrest Mall: hillcrestmall.ca/pride-2024
