Founder of the Absolut Empire's Ball inspires
a $40,000 donation by Absolut to
Rainbow Railroad in celebration.
TORONTO, June 24, 2021 /CNW/ - Rainbow Railroad, a
charitable organization that helps LGBTQI+ people around the world
escape violence is proud to have Canadian drag superstar
Scarlett Bobo as an international
ambassador. Scarlett Bobo has been a
long-time advocate for inclusivity in drag, founding the Absolut
Empire's Ball, a drag competition that encourages all gender
identities and performance styles to participate in the spirit of
diversity and inclusivity. In honour of this announcement, Absolut
has donated $40,000 to Rainbow
Railroad in Scarlett's name – enough to support three LGBTQI people
in dangerous situations around the world escape from
persecution.
"It is the biggest honour in my career to be accepted by Rainbow
Railroad as an international ambassador," said Scarlett. "Being
able to do something life changing for someone else is incredible.
Having known something I created has changed the lives of three
human beings, and my work with the organization going forward can
save even more, is the most rewarding thing I've ever done."
Aoife O'Reilly, Senior Brand
Manager for Absolut in Canada
said, "We have worked with Scarlett for many years, and their
commitment to creating inclusive and open spaces for everyone
within the LGBTQI community is something we have always respected,
admired and supported. We are delighted to celebrate their
appointment as an ambassador for Rainbow Railroad with this
donation and look forward to seeing the impact they have on the
incredibly important work Rainbow Railroad is doing."
"Drag queens were some of the earliest supporters of Rainbow
Railroad, and Scarlett BoBo has been
at the top of the list. Since the first time I saw Scarlett,
perform, I knew they were a star, and we're honoured that Scarlett
has leveraged their platform to raise awareness and funds for
Rainbow Railroad. Scarlett's support of Rainbow Railroad has helped
LGBTQI people escape persecution and violence - saving lives in the
process." Said Kimahli Powell, Executive Director of Rainbow
Railroad.
With an international platform, Scarlett will be able to bring
their advocacy to a whole new level, sharing their passion for
living authentically and celebrating all that drag can be to the
world… and, of course, looking great while doing it.
About Scarlett
Bobo
Scarlett BoBo is
the nightmarish brainchild of Matty
Cameron. A fusion of Hollywood golden era icons and pop vixens of
the 21st century. She has wowed audiences across the world with her
fancy footwork, flawless face and impeccable charm and
charisma.
About Absolut Empire's Ball
Absolut Empire's Ball was
started by Scarlett Bobo in 2018 as
a place for all types of drag to compete in the spirit of diversity
and inclusivity. In 2019, Absolut came onboard as a lead sponsor,
and the Absolut Empire's Ball named their first Trans and
Non-Binary house winners. The partnership has led to donations
totalling $60,000 to Rainbow Railroad
and $5,000 to the 519 between various
activities over in 2019 and 2021.
About Rainbow Railroad
Rainbow Railroad is an
international non-profit organization based in Canada and the
United States that helps LGBTQI people seek safe haven from
state-led violence and persecution in countries where homosexuality
is criminalized. To date, the organization has moved over 1,000
people to safer countries and advocated for the dismantling of
homophobic and transphobic laws internationally. The organization
was profiled on the CBS newsmagazine in 2019 and featured on
Canada's Drag Race in 2020.
Rainbow Railroad is a registered Canadian charity and 501(c)(3)
organization in the United States. To learn more, visit
www.rainbowrailroad.org.
About Corby Spirit and Wine
Corby Spirit and Wine
Limited is a leading Canadian manufacturer, marketer and
distributor of spirits and wines. Corby's portfolio of owned-brands
includes some of the most renowned brands in Canada, including J.P. Wiser's®, Lot 40®, and
Pike Creek® Canadian whiskies, Lamb's® rum, Polar Ice® vodka,
McGuinness® liqueurs, Ungava® gin, Cabot Trail® maple-based
liqueurs and Chic Choc® Spiced rum, and Foreign Affair® wines.
Through its affiliation with Pernod Ricard S.A., a global leader in
the spirits and wine industry, Corby also represents leading
international brands such as ABSOLUT® vodka, Chivas Regal®, The
Glenlivet® and Ballantine's® Scotch whiskies, Jameson® Irish
whiskey, Beefeater® gin, Malibu® rum, Kahlúa® liqueur, Mumm®
champagne, and Jacob's Creek®, Wyndham Estate®, Stoneleigh®, Campo
Viejo®, and Kenwood® wines. Corby is a publicly traded company
based in Toronto, Ontario, and
listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbols
CSW.A and CSW.B. For further information, please visit
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SOURCE Corby Spirit and Wine Communications