Arts & Culture

PHOTOS: The Who’s Who at Pride’s 2022 Kickoff in Vancouver and the Polo Fest

By Fred Lee /

Dr. Peter Centre’s Pride Cocktail Party stirs up a record haul, and Polo returns to Southlands.

Dr. Peter Centre’s Pride Cocktail Kick Off Benefit

July 21

Ryan McKinley and Kevin MazzoneFred Lee

Event founders Ryan McKinley of Vancity and Kevin Mazzone from the Lazy Gourmet welcomed guests to their tenth Pride Cocktail benefit.

Shirley Young and Scott ElliottFred Lee

Dr. Peter Centre’s matriarch Shirley Young and Executive Director Scott Elliott saw revellers tip out more than $83,000 at the rooftop cocktail party to support essential services at the West End health care facility.

Gary Serra, Sid Koshul, Ryan McKinley and Kevin MazzoneFred Lee

Circling Dr. Peter Centre’s matriarch Shirley Young, event chairs Gary Serra, Sid Koshul, Ryan McKinley and Kevin Mazzone were able to once again host their always entertaining cocktail party in person kicking off the city’s Pride festivities.

Paul Wong and Joshua McVeityFred Lee

Artist Paul Wong and Emily Carr University’s Joshua McVeity were among the lucky ones that snapped up tickets to the sold-out affair held 25 floors above the city. 

Bibi Sou PhreshFred Lee

Drag artist Bibi Sou Phresh, aka Freddy Sim, showed her true colours at the outdoor Pride party.

Michael Robach, Anoop Gill and Christopher VollanFred Lee

QMunity’s Michael Robach, Anoop Gill and Christopher Vollan were among local leaders that celebrated Pride at the Dr. Peter Centre fundraiser. 

Vancouver International Polo Festival

Saturday, August 13

polo in southlandsFred Lee

After a pandemic pause, polo returned to Southlands.

Yang WangFred Lee

Polo player Yang Wang joined fellow equestrians for a day of polo and polo related activities benefitting BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Southland’s Horse Rescue.

Tyson VilleneuveFred Lee

Formerly the Pacific Polo Cup, Tyson Villeneuve’s Social Concierge helped rebrand the always-stylish Sport of Kings event.

Jennifer Kwok and Vivian TsangFred Lee

Jennifer Kwok and Veuve Cliquot brand ambassador Vivian Tsang enjoyed champagne and an afternoon of horseplay at Southlands.

Will and Renita LoftusFred Lee

Former CFL player and Washington Kids Foundation board member Will Loftus and his wife Renita joined in on the spectator-assisted divot stomp. Loftus looks to introduce the sport to more kids. 

David UllockFred Lee

Sculptural artist David Ullock’s polo-themed installations and gallery-style art walk welcomed attendees.