On January 31 Hamilton Child and Family Supports (HCFS) was proud to participate as the charity partner for a sold-out Drag Brunch at Hamilton Stadium hosted by Pride Hamilton, in collaboration with Detective Constable Lyndsay Scott, Hamilton Police Service’s 2SLGBTQIA+ Liaison Officer.
This lively and colourful event, themed “New Year, New Sleigh,” brought the community together for an afternoon of vibrant performances, great food, and celebration. Toys, movie passes and hygiene packages were also generously donated for children, youth and families supported by HCFS.
Kiel Hughes, Director of Events for Pride Hamilton said, « I am full of appreciation and gratitude not only to Det. Con Lyndsay Scott and the team at HCFS but also the performers, the Sodexo Live! team and everyone who attended and contributed to the cause. The strength of community is often forgotten while we all try to keep up with the changing society, but New Year, New Sleigh was a reminder that community still very much exists. We are stronger together. We belong.”
Detective Constable Lyndsay Scott said, “At its heart, this toy drive was about care and connection. Being able to partner with Pride Hamilton and Hamilton Child and Family Supports turned collaboration into real impact – supporting children and families while strengthening the relationships that keep our community connected.”
Hamilton community leaders were also in attendance, including HCFS Executive Director, Bryan Shone, Mayor, Andrea Horwath, and Robin Lennox, MPP for Hamilton Centre. Shone and Mayor Horwath shared remarks highlighting the value of partnership and community collaboration.
“While government funding ensures we can deliver our mandated services, it’s community partners like you who enable us to go beyond the basics,” said Shone. “These partnerships and our generous donors open doors, remove barriers, and create real opportunities for children and families to thrive.”
The success of New Year, New Sleigh highlights the power of community-led events and partnerships in strengthening supports for children and families in Hamilton. HCFS looks forward to continued collaboration and future opportunities to work alongside community partners in support of those it serves.
