As the Sochi Olympics near, the spotlight is on the continuing persecution faced by the Russian LGBT community, Davie Street’s Fountainhead Pub is rallying support with a positive message of solidarity during their To Russia With Love campaign. Starting tomorrow, February 1 until February 28, money will be raised for AllOut.org through sales of a specialty cocktail, daily menu specials, and love notes.
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. They are ready to show their support and raise awareness once again with this campaign, reaching the Russian LGBT community, as well as athletes, representatives, and spectators on the ground in Sochi. “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.” says General Manager Andrew Watling.
Head over to The Fountainhead and send your thoughts “To Russia With Love” by purchasing The Russian Kiss Cocktail; A specialty 2oz cocktail (priced at $9.25+tax) has been created using Absolut® Raspberri Vodka, cinnamon whiskey, Raspberry Sourpuss, and a splash of cranberry juice. The Daily Menu Special will be priced at $11+tax and $1.00 from the sale of every cocktail and menu item, will be donated to AllOut.org.
Customers are also encouraged to take a picture in front of a photo wall sending a message of love. By using the hashtag #FHtoRussia and posting to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, photos will be uploaded to a Facebook Photo Gallery. As an added incentive, a $100 Fountainhead gift card will be awarded for one photo chosen at random.
Another way to contribute is to fill in a love note card for $1.00, which will be pinned to a giant wall-mounted heart displayed in the pub. At the end of the month the love notes will be mailed to an LGBT community representative in Russia.
International Pride House
With Sochi opposed to the idea, The Fountainhead Pub has been designated as an official Remote Pride House by Pride House International, a coalition of LGBT sport and human rights groups united to promote the cause of equality in and by sport.
The Fountainhead Pub is located at 1025 Davie Street.
For more information visit them online or follow them on Twitter @FountainheadVan or Facebook.com/TheFountainheadPub .