Have you contributed to the GoFundMe fundraiser for the iconic Buddies in Bad Times Theatre bartender?…
A GoFundMe for Buddies in Bad Times Theatre’s former bar manager Patricia Wilson has raised nearly $60,000 in just four days. All funds (or “tips”) raised from the campaign will go directly to Wilson, who has essentially been a guardian angel to Toronto’s LGBTQ+ community for decades.
Patricia moved to Toronto from Windsor, Ontario in 1993 and was almost immediately hired as a bartender by Buddies, where she quickly made herself a community pillar. Besides being a familiar face, an inspiration and a friend to the many generations of queers who have stopped by the bar for a drink and a dance through the years, Patricia is also a noted poet, musician and author.
After almost 30 years of service, Patricia recently announced on social media that she “agreed to be terminated” by Buddies after decades of loving service to our communities.
The GoFundMe fundraiser was set up by Michelle Mama and Alex Tigchelaar who wrote: “This hasty termination does not feel like the joyful and respectful send-off Patricia deserves for her closing act in this beloved community space. Please join us in thanking Patricia for her three decades of kindness, guidance, generosity, and rock and roll wisdom.”
The fundraiser has already extended the goal so that everyone has the opportunity to contribute and share their connections with and celebrations of Patricia. To contribute, and help keep extending that goal you can leave a “tip” for Patricia here. For those who are not able to contribute financially, sharing a link to the fundraiser and helping circulate this community effort is just as important.
Thank you Patricia. We’re raising our glass to you!
To view the GoFundMe, please visit: https://gf.me/v/c/c4nh/patricia-is-my-bartender.
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