Help Keep Durham’s 2SLGBTQIA+ Community Hub Thriving
For more than three decades, our space at 717 Wilson Road South in Oshawa has been a gathering place for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Durham Region.
Today, Durham Alliance Outreach operates this space as Durham Region’s only dedicated 2SLGBTQIA+ community hub and food bank, providing a welcoming environment where people can connect, access support, celebrate culture, and build community.
This is where friendships begin, performers find their stage, volunteers make a difference, and people know they belong.
Why We’re Fundraising
Like many community organizations, we are experiencing increased property costs.
Over the next 14 months, we need to raise an additional $1,800 per month to cover increased building expenses known as TMI (tax, maintenance, and insurance).
Rather than cutting services or reducing programming, our Board of Directors has chosen a proactive path: inviting our community to help keep this space strong and sustainable.
Community Efforts to Keep 717 Thriving
Over the next 14 months, Durham Alliance Outreach will be working extra hard to strengthen the sustainability of our community hub.
In addition to this fundraising campaign, we are introducing several community initiatives, including:
• Weekly 50/50 draws on Friday nights
• A new “Keep 717 Thriving” monthly Support Circle
• Advertising partnerships on our in-house TVs
• Special fundraising events and community activities
These efforts help ensure that everyone can participate in supporting the space in a way that works for them.
Every ticket purchased, every donation made, and every event attended helps keep Durham’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community hub strong.
What Your Support Makes Possible
Your donation helps us continue to provide:
• Durham Region’s only 2SLGBTQIA+ community hub
• A safer space for events, performances, and social gatherings
• Peer support and community programs
• Cultural programming including drag shows and open stages
• The DAO Pantry, supporting members of our community experiencing food insecurity
Every contribution helps ensure this space remains open, welcoming, and accessible.
Join the “Keep 717 Thriving” Community
There are many ways you can help:
Make a one-time donation
Every contribution helps us reach our monthly goal.
Join the Support Circle
Become a monthly supporter starting at $10 per month and help provide stable support for the space.
Share the campaign
Tell friends, family, and local businesses about the importance of Durham’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community hub.
A Community Effort
This space exists because our community shows up for one another.
Together, we can ensure that Durham Region continues to have a vibrant, welcoming hub where 2SLGBTQIA+ people and allies can gather, celebrate, and support each other for many years to come.
Thank you for helping Keep 717 Thriving.