Richmond, BC | February 28, 2026 — Just one day after the high-energy Ignite Women’s Empowerment Gala in Surrey, community momentum continued in Richmond as Fortinet and GQ Dance co-hosted a vibrant fundraiser in support of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver (EFry) Women’s Drop-In Centre.
Held from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM on Saturday, the free-admission event brought together families, students, community leaders, and supporters for an afternoon dedicated to uplifting homeless women and children through awareness, engagement, and direct support.
Dance, Awareness, and Action
The program blended culture, wellness, and education in a way that reflected the diversity and spirit of the Lower Mainland. Attendees participated in an energetic Zumba session, enjoyed elegant Chinese dance performances, and witnessed a strong turnout of families eager to contribute to a meaningful cause.
Beyond entertainment, the event carried a deeper message: empowerment through knowledge. A cybersecurity awareness game introduced young participants to online safety in a fun, accessible format. The initiative aligned with Fortinet’s broader commitment to digital literacy and responsible technology use.
Everyone competed enthusiastically for prizes, including Fortinet wireless power banks valued at $100 — adding excitement while reinforcing practical learning around cybersecurity.
Supporting Women in Need
The fundraiser focused on supporting EFry’s Women’s Drop-In Centre, which provides critical services for vulnerable women and children experiencing homelessness. The Centre offers safe space, resources, and pathways toward stability — services that remain essential amid ongoing housing and affordability challenges across Metro Vancouver.
Events like this not only raise funds but also generate awareness about the realities faced by women navigating poverty, housing insecurity, and systemic barriers. By combining cultural programming with social advocacy, the organizers created a platform that was both celebratory and impactful.
A Community That Shows Up
What stood out most was the collective spirit. Despite the region’s packed calendar of events, community members showed up once again — reinforcing a growing culture of civic participation and grassroots support.
The collaboration between a global cybersecurity leader like Fortinet and local arts contributors such as GQ Dance illustrates how cross-sector partnerships can create meaningful local change. It also highlights how corporate social responsibility, when paired with community engagement, can extend beyond boardrooms into tangible impact.
As conversations around women’s safety, digital awareness, and homelessness continue, initiatives like this serve as reminders that sustainable change begins at the community level.
The Times of Canada applauds the organizers, volunteers, performers, and participants who contributed to making the Richmond fundraiser a success — proving that when culture meets compassion, communities grow stronger.
