KitKat Chocolatory is proud to launch a two-year partnership with Toronto LGBTQI2S organization, Friends of Ruby, just in time for Chosen Family Day—on February 22, 2022, the third annual day to acknowledge important relationships and support systems within the community.

Chosen Family Day, a national observance of the significant relationships among those in the LGBTQ+ community. Families formed by choice, and with intention, play a vital role in the lives of many LGBTQ+ people, where close relationships provide care, affirmation and a sense of belonging. As the brand that’s been synonymous with breaks for over 85 years, KitKat Chocolatory and Friends of Ruby share the value of taking time to celebrate who you are and acknowledge the support that Chosen Families provide.

The launch of this two-year partnership between KitKat and Friends of Ruby includes financial support of the Friends of Ruby mental health programs and the release of a limited-edition KitKat bar.

Available from February 11 – 28 exclusively at the KitKat Chocolatory store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto, the one-of-a-kind ruby chocolate bars will feature special packaging designed by the Friends of Ruby team. All proceeds from every sale will be donated to Friends of Ruby. Additional special events and initiatives are being planned for Pride and LGBTQ History Month to help gain reach and raise awareness for the community and organization.

“The support system that is created through Chosen Families fosters an environment that promotes kinship, belonging, and celebrates layered identities. Friends of Ruby facilitates spaces for LGBTQI2S youth to express themselves and find community. We are thrilled to collaborate with KitKat Chocolatory to reiterate the value and need of Chosen Families,” said Carol Osler, Executive Director at Friends of Ruby. Interview with Lucy Gallo, Director of Youth Services and Housing at Friends of Ruby on Chosen Family Day and LGBTQI2S Youth

“At KitKat, we are committed to encouraging individuality and self-expression,” said Mark Cecchetto, President, Confectionery, Nestlé Canada. “We are proud to be partnering with Friends of Ruby to celebrate the LGBTQI2S community and uplift all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and two-spirit young people to feel empowered in their identities.”

ABOUT FRIENDS OF RUBY

Friends of Ruby supports LGBTQI2S youth (aged 16-29) through drop-in services and programming, mental health and wellness support, case management and practical support services, housing and a sense of community. Our vision is for a world where all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and two-spirit young people feel validated, involved and empowered to lead healthy lives. We provide youth with resources related to sexuality/gender identity and sexual health, social connections, transgender supports, food and basic needs, housing, income support, advocacy, life skills, healthcare, legal support, employment safety planning and education. Learn more about Friends of Ruby at friendsofruby.ca.

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist based in Toronto with a focus on tourism, lifestyle, entertainment and community issues. He has written several travel articles and has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He’s willing to take on any assignments of interest, attend parties with free booze, listen to rants, and travel the world in search of the great unknown. He’s eager to discover the new, remember the past, and look into the future.