'Be vigilant,' Wynne urges participants in Toronto's Pride and Remembrance run

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne urged participants in Toronto's Pride and Remembrance Run to remain "vigilant" as they raise funds for organizations that support the LGBTcommunity.

"Happy Pride, everyone! It's a beautiful morning for a run," Wynne said Saturday morning. "Thank you, all of you, for what you do."

Wynne said the more than 1,000 participants in the 22th annual event was impressive. She said the event started out extremely small many years ago but has grown significantlyinto a "terrific" event.

"Thank you for what you do in your communities. You come from all over the province and beyond," she said.

"We are remembering people who are not here and people who can't be here because of the circumstances of their lives.

"Thank you all for being out and being proud."

Wynne ran with some of her staff members in the event, which aims to promote community spirit, goodwill and sportsmanship in the LGBT community,according to its organizers.

Participants could run five kilometres or walk three kilometres to raise funds.

Organizers say many people participate to honour the memory of a personwho has touched their lives.

On Saturday, funds were raised specifically for Fife House's transitional housing program, the Canadian Center for Gender and Sexual Diversity's support of Ontario gay-straight alliance forums, Casey House's day health and wellness program, and the Pride and Remembrance Foundation.

In a news release, organizers saidthe Pride and Remembrance Association has raised more than $1.3 million for charities over the years.

The run coincides with Toronto Pride, an annual eventdevoted to the celebration and support of the city'sLGBT community.