If you were anywhere near Barra Gitano in Vancouver’s West End this past weekend, you probably heard the buzz (and the beats) from Aleem Kassam‘s Pink Pony Party! Aleem, the award-winning interior designer and one of Canada’s best-dressed icons, turned 38 in true style—pink heels, a bejewelled cowboy hat, and a whole lot of fringe.
Aleem, who has made a name for himself blending luxury and culture in his designs, took the opportunity to spotlight something close to his heart: QMUNITY, BC’s Queer, Trans, and Two-Spirit Resource Centre. The party doubled as a fundraiser for the newly announced QMUNITY Centre, which aims to provide vital resources for the community.
The celebration was a night to remember. From drag icon Hazel’s jaw-dropping performance to DJ Pri keeping the guests dancing, every moment was both impactful and unforgettable. Hazel, a star in her own right, mesmerized guests with a performance that blended theatrical flair and undeniable talent. Having shared the stage with Drag Race royalty like Violet Chachki and Sasha Colby, Hazel is a true force in the Canadian drag scene.
The event was hosted at the chic Barra Gitano, known for its Latin-inspired menu, handcrafted cocktails, and vibrant atmosphere. Every detail was curated to perfection, right down to Aleem’s incredible outfit, which matched the party’s bold, pink theme.
Aleem summed it up best: “This year, after marrying the love of my life and joining the QMUNITY Cabinet, I wanted to celebrate in a way that gives back. To bring awareness to the most marginalized in our community and show how we can all positively affect change right here at home.”
Photography by Go Focal captured every stunning moment, while My Mango Media’s videography ensured the memories will live on. Bonus? The performers and production team donated a portion of their fees to QMUNITY, amplifying the evening’s impact.
Sid Koshul, Co-Chair of QMUNITY’s Fundraising Campaign, shared: “Incorporating a cause you are passionate about into a celebration, like a birthday party, goes beyond raising funds. QMUNITY has a long history of building community, fostering belonging, and enhancing lives through programs and services that include peer groups, counselling services, employment and educational resources, and a newly established legal clinic.”
The need for more support continues to grow, with nearly 20,000 people connecting with QMUNITY last year. By sharing QMUNITY’s mission with a room full of his closest friends, Aleem was able to raise awareness, spark meaningful conversations, and inspire others to get involved.
Cheers to Aleem for reminding us that celebration and compassion can go hand in hand! At last count, over $4,000 was raised and you can keep the party going by clicking HERE TO DONATE TO QMUNITY!
All images courtesy Aleem Kassam via Go Focal 10.
Author Profile
- Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Marketing & Communications Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine, and digital women's lifestyle magazine EcoLuxLifestyle.co. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Post-pandemic, she has worked with many small to mid-sized plant-based/vegan brands to build their digital foundations and strategize content creation and business development. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at helen@ecoluxluv.com.
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