Three Sarnia groups are hoping to keep a soon-to-be painted rainbow crosswalk shining with a "rainy day" fundraiser.
Women's March Canada Sarnia-Lambton, Sarnia Pride and Transgender Association and Sarnia Intersectional Feminist Network are hosting the Rainbow of Hope Fundraiser.
The goal is to raise $3,500 for the upkeep of a rainbow crosswalk at the intersection of Christina and Lochiel streets, set to be unveiled in October.
Network co-founder Simon Harris said their group is going to be "keeping watch" to ensure the crosswalk stays bright.
"The plastic paint used for the crosswalk is supposed to last about three to five years, but unfortunately it may get vandalized or something may happen to it before then, so in that case, the costs are going to have to be covered to fix the crosswalk," said Harris. "So instead of trying to recoup that money with a fundraiser, we'll just save that extra work and hassle with this 'rainy day fund.'"
Sarnia council approved a proposal in July from Sarnia-Lambton Rebound’s Spectrum Community Action Committee to install the crosswalk -- the committee has agreed to cover the entire cost of the project, estimated at $3,750.
Harris said the approval marked a significant moment for the city.
"The idea of a rainbow crosswalk is a symbol of inclusion. As a queer man myself, it's really great to be able to see that type or representation within the community. Normally symbols such as that are hard to come by in a city of our size," he said.
Earlier in the year, Northern Secondary showcased a rainbow walkway outside their front entrance, an initiative that was orchestrated by the school’s Gay Straight Alliance group.
The Rainbow of Hope Fundraiser goes September 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Centennial Park.
Harris said the free event will feature a variety of attractions.
"So we have a multitude of vendors there and obviously our three organizations are going to be setting up shop. We have drag queens who are coming along from London, we also have a dunk-tank that we'll be setting up where you can dunk a Sarnia police officer, or you can dunk city councillors Bill Dennis or Brian White," he said.
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-With files from Josh Boyce.
