Chosen Families Campaign

At Canvas we understand the importance of chosen family. When things are dark, we look for those in our lives who bring us light. The power of chosen family gives us hope for futures that are kinder and more accepting.

We are asking for the help of you and your chosen family with our mission of 2SLGBTQIA+ education.  

Choose this giving season to help end homophobia & transphobia through inclusion education. Chosen families choose Canvas.

You and your chosen family are making a contribution this winter to furthering our mission of providing queer inclusion workshops to schools. Now more than ever it is so important to be combating transphobia, homophobia and ignorance with the illuminating tool of education.  

Your donations go a long way

$25 raised helps one more student access essential education on 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion and allyship.

$50 raised is the cost of one more educator to be trained to support queer and trans youth.

$100 raised helps one more queer youth take part in identity-affirming arts programming.

$200 raised allows Canvas to reach one more school with access barriers to our programs.

Signing up your Chosen Family

Step 1: Enroll your chosen family through Canada Helps’ online form below or follow this button to the Canada Helps’ webpage.

Step 2: Receive your chosen family’s specific donation link 

Step 3: Fundraise as a team to bring 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion to more youth 

Step 4: Gather together and celebrate with your chosen family!

What does “Chosen Family” mean to you?

At Canvas, we understand that chosen family isn't bound by genetics or tradition; it's a testament to the power of human connection, to the way we can weave our hearts together to create something beautiful, resilient, and real. They’re the family that feels like home, not because you're related, but because you’ve chosen each other, again and again, through thick and thin. 

〰️

“It made me realize my experiences and feelings are normal”

〰️

"We want you in our schools. We need you!"

〰️

"The program allows me to open my mind and heart to the different ways people live their lives, and affirm the way that I live my life is something to be celebrated and validated."

〰️ “It made me realize my experiences and feelings are normal” 〰️ "We want you in our schools. We need you!" 〰️ "The program allows me to open my mind and heart to the different ways people live their lives, and affirm the way that I live my life is something to be celebrated and validated."

FAQ

  • Chosen family holds meaning in many different ways, for different people. Often, chosen family refers to relationships that are forged within communities, to foster care, trust, and belonging beyond the boundaries of biological families or families of origin. Originally coined by anthropologist and author Kath Weston in her 1991 book: “Families We Choose: Lesbians, Gays, Kinship”, the concept of “Chosen Family” is rooted in 2SLGBTQIA+ history and lived experience.  

  • Donations received by your chosen family go towards:  

    • Bringing our 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion workshops to more schools in the GTA

    • Employing queer and trans facilitators who are deeply passionate about our charity’s mission 

    • Creating safer school environments for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth 

    • Share this campaign on your socials  

    • Donate directly to Canvas individually 

    • Join our newsletter

    • Spread the word of our charitable mission 

    • Treat everyone with kindness and respect  

Follow our Instagram

Email robyn@canvasprograms.com to join our co-design team! . #youth #lgbtq🌈 #consent #codesign #toronto #volunteer
We’ve already had an unforgettable camp season, with incredible conversations on consent and 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion. Thank you to @campgeorge, @campramahincanada, @originalkidstc, @campwenonah, @campmanitou, @campnbb, @campoconto, Camp Ojibway an
We're excited to launch our Proud To Be Me tool with @Dove as part of the #DoveSelfEsteemProject. This 2-hour body image program is specifically aimed at building self-esteem among LGBTQ2S+ youth and allies ages 10 - 14. Check out the link in our bio
A message more 2SLGBTQ+ youth need to hear! This month, we were able to lend our voices to three panels at @kidshelpphone, helping volunteer staff better support youth navigating identity; mental health; and intersections of race, culture, and quee
Spectacular! Check out these superb sculptures from participants at our Sculpting Identities program. This 2 month program joined 2SLGBTQ+ youth and allies in using sculpture to express themselves. Thank you to all our participants, and thank you to
Happy Pride! @pridetoronto is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to bring people together and made possible in thanks to your donations. Text GIVE to 647-362-8701 to make a donation and support the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Standard carrier rate
Black, Indigenous, and other people of colour have always been at the forefront of 2SLGBTQ+ resistance. Do you know your QTBIPOC history? Learn more about these events and a History of Pride from our guide at youtu.be/927S0qHL3OA! Thank you @ontri
40 years Proud! Join @PrideToronto for over 70 unique virtual events, parties, community gatherings and so much more. And be sure to use the digital Pride Guide to curate your own festival experience. Available now online at PrideToronto.com/PrideGu