As the LGBT community continues to face persecution in Russia, Davie Street’s Fountainhead Pub is rallying support with a positive message of solidarity during their To Russia With Love campaign. From February 1st to 28th, money will be raised for AllOut.org through sales of a specialty cocktail, daily menu specials, and love notes. Customers can pose in front of a photo wall and tag their photos to be uploaded to an online gallery. The Vancouver-based pub has been designated an official Remote Pride House by the Pride House International organization.
In response to laws passed in Russia last year that dealt a huge blow to LGBT rights, the Fountainhead Pub gained international exposure by boycotting Russian vodka – going so far as to reach out to both the Russian LGBT community, as well as athletes, representatives, and spectators on the ground in Sochi.
Their efforts garnered plenty of attention from the LGBT community and beyond with GM Andrew Watling stating, “In the face of adversity, a message of love and support can make a powerful difference. We want the LGBT community in Russia to know that we are behind them, even all the way across the world.”
How can local Vancouverites make a difference and help the campaign be heard? Drink up at The Fountainhead Pub and order The Russian Kiss Cocktail created using Absolut Raspberri Vodka, cinnamon whiskey, Raspberry Sourpuss, and a splash of cranberry juice. One dollar from the sale of every cocktail (priced at $9.25 including tax) will be donated to AllOut.org.
Grab a bite from their Daily Menu Special and see $1.00 from the sale of every daily menu special (priced at $11.00 plus tax) donated directly to AllOut.org.
Get your mug shot up on their Photo Wall and send your own message of support along with the hashtag #FHtoRussia. Post your pic on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Photos will be uploaded to a Facebook Photo Gallery and a $100 Fountainhead gift card will be awarded for one photo chosen at random.
Share a Love Note to Russia and fill in a love note card for $1.00, which will be pinned to a giant wall-mounted heart displayed in the pub. All proceeds will be donated to AllOut.org, and be mailed to an LGBT community representative in Russia at month’s end.
The Fountainhead Pub is located at 1025 Davie Street. Find them on Facebook or on Twitter @FountainheadVan.