New West Pride has become a favourite in New West since it began in 2010.
But Pride couldn’t happen without the help of volunteers. This year, more than 100 volunteers will be helping set up events for the street festival.
Kathleen Somerville is one of these volunteers. This is her third year helping out with the street festival.
The New West full-time mom, part-time fitness student, told the Record’s Lauren Boothby what it’s like to help out with Pride.
Why did you start volunteering? Why do you like Pride?
I like to volunteer in the community, and this was a really good opportunity to help with a one-day event.
I really support the LGBTQ+ community and I just wanted to put out there that I support that and I want to be part of it.
Did you go to Pride before you were a volunteer?
Before I moved to New West … I used to live in the West End in Vancouver. I would always attend Pride that was there. It was such a huge event
I just really loved it. I loved the whole “love is love,” and just wanted to support that idea.
That’s why, when I moved here, I joined New West Pride and became a member. I wanted to just be part of it. It’s such a fun party. I have kids and I wanted to show them that, you know, to be involved in things that you believe in.
What do you mean, that it’s something you believe in?
I think that the whole Pride movement of just showing support for people to live their lives the way they want them, with acceptance, with tolerance, and just celebrating people with diversity. I just wanted to show that to my kids.
What do you do as a volunteer?
I’m doing the set-up. That’s what I’ve done the last couple years. I get to go down and get everything ready with the people putting out the tables and chairs.
I can still attend the festival after that, so it doesn’t interfere with going to the different events.
What do you like about the street festival?
I like the music, I like that it’s family-friendly, it’s very colourful. It’s free, brings peopel together. It’s about celebrating love.
What are you excited for this year?
I’m just excited for another beautiful, sunny day, and seeing our friends out there, and just being part of it, you know. I just want to send a message to young people that they know they’re supported, and that people love them and want them to have a great day, and that care about them.
What would you tell other people who want to volunteer?
I would definitely recommend it. It’s fun, it’s great to be involved.
This is just a great party in the summer, lots of fun.
I think everyone should volunteer in their community with things they support and this is a great thing to support.
What’s not to love about it? It’s for families, it’s for everybody, it’s about love, it’s great.
