All proceeds from the Run for Rocky will benefit grants for Gay Straight Alliance Clubs in local schools , Parental Educational Programs, Diversity Education for Educators, Scholarships for GSA Student leaders, funding support for local agencies that work with 2SLGBTQ youth, community projects to support this marginalized community and the Windsor Pride Community. A graduate of University of Weste
rn Ivey Business Graduate Program, Rocky Campana carried an honours average, but continued to work 30-40 hours a week and volunteered almost daily. He volunteered at the Pride library, initiated the Street Meat Program to raise money for The Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation, and helped out at the Alzheimer's Society. Rocky also ran in the Pride Runs yearly in Toronto, raising a significant amount of funds each year and was continually called upon to lend a helping hand whenever a volunteer was needed. What people will remember the most about Rocky was his determination to be the best at whatever he attempted and his ability to make everyone he met feel special. Rocky took the time to get to know people and to help them through their life struggles. From the lady he met in the park for dog play, the Residence secretaries he visited daily or the students he counselled as a Residence Assistant, these are the people that Rocky made feel special, gave purpose to and truly showed daily compassion towards. Rocky had just begun working for Proctor and Gamble and as part of the job, community services hours were a requirement. Rocky's ambition was to go into high schools and to talk to teenagers about just accepting each other for who they were, no matter their sexuality, popularity, race, income level or religion. He was particularly excited to work with GSA Clubs that were just beginning to form in many high schools. Rocky was always truly passionate about taking care of those who were treated unjustly in life and was pleased when the Ontario Government passed a bill to mandate GSAs in high schools. It is fitting that the Run for Rocky in Windsor helps fund Educational programs and speakers through the GSAs in our local school system. The goal is that The Run for Rocky Legacy Project will continue to light the way to better acceptance, deeper education and a greater understanding of the support our 2SLGBTQ friends, family, co-workers, neighbours and community need to ensure Rockyβs hometown of Windsor, Ontario becomes a leader for impactful community transformation. The Windsor Pride Community Resource and Educational Centre provides programs and services to a large demographic area encompassing Windsor Essex County. Programs and services include:
οΏ½ Gay Straight Alliances Clubs provide a safety net for students during the coming out process. With a GSA club youth break through the isolation to find support from peers and school staff. GSA clubs unite LGBTQ students, straight allies, and members of the school community who are committed to making schools safer and more accepting for LGBT students. GSAs draw on the courage of LGBTQ youth and the commitment of straight allies working in partnership to build bridges, improve school climates, and change school policies. Strong, well-supported GSAs can have a major impact on the education environment and possess the power to transform individuals, school cultures, and educational institutions creating a safer space for learning and growing together.
