Strengthening Impact: Roger’s Motivations for Monthly Giving

Recurring donors are critical to our foundation as an organization, helping us remain flexible and respond to emerging crises, no matter when or where they arise. This year, we are facing a rapidly changing landscape for the rights of LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers and, with the support of our recurring donors, we are able to plan to meet this moment head-on. This month, we spoke to one of our recurring donors, Roger Larios-Gallant, about what motivates him to continue supporting our work. To become a recurring donor, and help to strengthen the foundation of our organization, click here.

Rainbow Railroad: What inspired you to start giving to Rainbow Railroad, and why did you choose to become a monthly or recurring donor?

Roger: For a long while I had been feeling a need to give back. I knew there was need out there but with so many organizations and charities I felt overwhelmed. Watching Canada’s Drag Race I was introduced to Rainbow Railroad and it struck a chord in me. I felt such an immediate connection that I instantly began plans to give on a monthly basis. 

Rainbow Railroad: Why is the mission of Rainbow Railroad personally meaningful to you?

Roger: The reason I felt such a strong connection to Rainbow Railroad is because I myself am gay and I was not born in Canada. I was born in Nicaragua where being gay is very much considered a crime and people die because of it every day. My parents had the foresight to immigrate my family to Canada when I was 12 years old. It is not lost on me the amazing blessing it is to live in Canada as a gay man. The freedom that I feel here, every time I look into my husband’s eyes, when I hold his hand in public, I know I experience freedoms and rights that others in other parts of the world simply don’t. It is a privilege to be given the chance to give someone else the same opportunities. Every time I give I think ‘it could easily be me’. 

Rainbow Railroad: What impact do you hope your donations will have on the lives of the people Rainbow Railroad supports?

Roger: I give in the hopes that my small contribution may reach someone out there in need. 

Rainbow Railroad: If you could share a message with someone who is considering becoming a monthly or recurring donor, what would you tell them?

Roger: As LGBTQI+ people continue to be persecuted simply for loving who they love, giving is a way to allow them a way out. 

Rainbow Railroad: Can you share a moment when you felt particularly proud to support Rainbow Railroad?

Roger: Speaking with the team at Rainbow Railroad, I was giving a bigger picture of how far my small contribution extended. And I felt directly connected to lives that were transformed, people who were moved from dangerous situations solely because of donating.

Rainbow Railroad relies on recurring donors like Roger to get more to safety. Become a recurring donor to support our mission today.