Ryders Rainbow
Ryder

On July 13, 2021, eight-year-old Ryder Mandryk appeared before Norfolk County Council to request an investment in a rainbow pride crosswalk in downtown Simcoe, ON.

Rainbow crosswalks symbolize support for individuals who identify as LGBTQ2S, and send the message that their community embraces all forms of gender and sexual identification. This is important because historically speaking, members of this community within communities has been marginalized in many ways.

Unfortunately, Ryder’s request has led to both Ryder and her family being subjected to extreme, unwarranted prejudice on social media. Comments on posts of the article published by the Simcoe Reformer and Brantford Expositor on their respective Facebook pages were vile to the point that both newspapers removed the posts.

The harsh backlash has encouraged many LGBTQ2S supporters to rally behind Ryder and offer to contribute to the crosswalk project. If you would like to make a contribution, you can do so by sending an e-transfer to donate@rydersrainbow.com or making a donation in person at your local Scotiabank. Funds will be held in trust until the crosswalk project is underway.

Norfolk County Support:

Members of Norfolk County Council expressed support for the crosswalk project. Norfolk County Mayor Kristal Chopp has supported Ryder’s project since the beginning, and she was the first person to encourage her to bring her request to council.

Mayor Chopp expressed a desire to see members of the community contribute to the costs associated with the project. The estimated cost of a rainbow crosswalk is $7000 – $10,000. This figure was provided by a contractor contacted by Norfolk County Roads Department staff in preparation for Ryder’s deputation. The cost is high because rainbow crosswalks require specialty thermal paint that is different than typical pavement paint.

Ryder’s family and supporters believe a municipal investment in the project is a reasonable request, but understand council’s desire to ensure public funding is invested responsibly. Many people have already come forward offering financial support, so Ryder’s Rainbow was created to manage the fundraising program.

If enough donations come in, Ryder will ask for additional rainbow crosswalks across Norfolk County. Based on the response to the project so far, a location in Port Dover is already being researched.

Watch Ryder’s deputation and subsequent council discussion here:

Contribute to Ryder’s Rainbow Crosswalk:

All donations toward Ryder’s Rainbow crosswalk project must be made by e-transfer or in person at a Scotia Bank branch. Ryder’s Rainbow has its own bank account to receive donations. If you would like to register your donation for tracking purposes only, or send a message of support for Ryder, please fill out the form below. Please note: entering a donation amount does not mean that donation has processed. This website is for information and to make tracking donations easier.

ALL DONATIONS MUST BE MADE BY E-TRANSFER TO donate@rydersrainbow.com OR IN PERSON AT A SCOTIABANK BRANCH.

Filling out this form DOES NOT send in a donation. This form only allows you to submit a message of support for Ryder that will be posted on this page after your donation is received, and helps us track your donation in the event the project does not proceed and you would like a refund.



    Messages of support will be added to the page with your name when your donation is processed.

    You can donate without registering, but you will not be able to leave a message for Ryder.

    Financial security:

    Please note Ryder’s Rainbow is not a registered charity or incorporated not-for-profit organization. The fundraising project is overseen by Ryder’s supporters. When the time to invest in the crosswalk comes, funds will be transferred to Norfolk County.

    There are six volunteer co-signers on the bank account. Any five of the six must co-sign any documents related to funds transferal or use. The six co-signers providing oversight, tracking, and security to the fundraising project are Adam Veri, Glenn Tweedie, Janet Hepburn, Helen Jones, Paul Morris, and Carrie Sinkowski. No funding will be dispersed until the time comes to pay for the crosswalk(s).

    Everyone supporting Ryder and his family is doing so as a volunteer. 100% of your donations will go toward project costs.

    ALL DONATIONS MUST BE MADE BY E-TRANSFER TO donate@rydersrainbow.com OR IN PERSON AT A SCOTIABANK BRANCH.

    Messages To Ryder:

    From: Anonymous
    Date: November 1st , 2021
    Donation Amount: $50
    Message For Ryder:
    Dear Ryder, We are so impressed by your insight and courage to stand up for your beliefs, and to demonstrate to adults the importance of kindness and inclusivity. Here in Hamilton we have a rainbow crosswalk too, which sometimes gets damaged by thoughtless and uninformed people, and the City just keeps repainting it.. it's like you, not being defeated but continuing to focus and promote your important ideas. Good on you for raising awareness in your town! You are an inspiration! Jennifer Powell-Fralick Paul Fralick Dundas, Ontario 905-537-4397
    From: Rachelle
    Date: October 28th , 2021
    Donation Amount: 50
    Message For Ryder:
    YOU ARE AMAZING! The world needs more people like you, Ryder. 🙂 Here's a little something towards making Simcoe's rainbow crosswalk happen! Thanks for leading with love!
    From: Katie
    Date: October 27th , 2021
    Donation Amount: $25
    Message For Ryder:
    Ryder you are one amazing human. We love and support you so much and are so proud! Thank you for showing our community what it means to be yourself and stand up for what’s important. ❤️????????????????????????????????
    From: Laurel Fenton
    Date: October 27th , 2021
    Donation Amount: $25
    Message For Ryder:
    What an amazing person you are Ryder. I'm wishing you success with this project and all your future endeavours!
    From: Steve and Lisa Kennedy
    Date: October 26th , 2021
    Donation Amount: $50
    Message For Ryder:
    What a good idea! No matter our age, we all need to use love to make our world a better place.
    From: Lee Dowhun
    Date: October 26th , 2021
    Donation Amount: $25
    Message For Ryder:
    I would like to donate to this great initiative. If the crosswalk does not proceed that would be very sad, but the money I give can go towards Ryders education.
    From: amy soule
    Date: October 26th , 2021
    Donation Amount: $25
    Message For Ryder:
    you're an inspiration =) Thank you for doing everything you can to ensure our peers (I'm queer too) are affirmed and visible twelve months of twelve
    From: Carrie
    Date: October 22nd , 2021
    Donation Amount: $25
    Message For Ryder:
    We don’t even live in Norfolk, but are inspired by your spirit. Thank you for making a difference.
    From: Karol de stefano
    Date: September 17th , 2021
    Donation Amount: $50
    Message For Ryder:
    Proud of you Ryder it isn’t easy to do this. Keep fighting for what u believe in kiddo! Momma D
    From: Ramee Cyr-Patterson
    Date: September 17th , 2021
    Donation Amount: $40
    Message For Ryder:
    Hi Ryder, Kudos to you and your family, and the volunteers for your work towards getting rainbow crosswalks in Norfolk County! My teen sons are also supporters of your project and are donating with me. All the best, From an ally of the Lgbtqia community ❤????????????????????
    From: Sloths & Molasses
    Date: September 14th , 2021
    Donation Amount: $202.5
    Message For Ryder:
    Keep on being a shining light for the community ????
    From: Cindy Benko
    Date: August 15th , 2021
    Donation Amount: $25
    Message For Ryder:
    You are amazing! You will always have my support. xo
    From: Heidi Nabert
    Date: August 7th , 2021
    Donation Amount: $25
    Message For Ryder:
    Ryder You are mature and smart beyond your years! I stand with you in believing that a rainbow belongs in Simcoe. They belong everywhere. Thank you for speaking up! We can learn to all get along. You’re an example of true pride.
    From: Joanne and Dave Williamson
    Date: August 5th , 2021
    Donation Amount: $50
    Message For Ryder:
    You have more wisdom than your age. I am so happy that you feel very happy being you. So many people do not get that choice. I am happy to help the comunity let all people know that we are loving, caring people who accept everyone. I am very glad for you that you have such wonderful, loving parents.
    From: Lorraine
    Date: August 5th , 2021
    Donation Amount: $50
    Message For Ryder:
    Make it rain(bow)! Keep your chin up! There are so many people in this community that support you.
    From: Maurie & Natolie MacDonald
    Date: August 5th , 2021
    Donation Amount: $28.
    Message For Ryder:
    all the best.
    From: Sara Estrela
    Date: August 5th , 2021
    Donation Amount: 10
    Message For Ryder:
    What an amazing kid! Good for you for standing up for what you believe in, never let anyone bring you down!
    From: Laura Wakeling
    Date: August 4th , 2021
    Donation Amount: $100
    Message For Ryder:
    Truth & Love
    From: Jane Beckett
    Date: August 4th , 2021
    Donation Amount: $50
    Message For Ryder:
    Ryder, you make us all proud! You are a brave person and we are thrilled to support your rainbow crosswalk!
    From: Apryl Cornwell
    Date: August 3rd , 2021
    Donation Amount: $25
    Message For Ryder:
    Know that you have support beyond your own community!
    From: Barb Cleland
    Date: August 3rd , 2021
    Donation Amount: $50
    Message For Ryder:
    Can't wait to see the rainbow crosswalk! Great idea Ryder!!
    From: Tim,Jenn,Maddie,Sam&Katie Bard
    Date: August 1st , 2021
    Donation Amount: $150.00
    Message For Ryder:
    Lots of love and rainbows! Let’s get rainbow crosswalks all over Norfolk County. Thank you Ryder and your family for getting this going. ????????️‍????????️‍⚧️
    From: Anonymous
    Date: August 1st , 2021
    Donation Amount: $100
    Message For Ryder:
    Good luck Ryder and thanks for doing this great work! Jim
    From: Becca and Brandon Mercer
    Date: July 31st , 2021
    Donation Amount: $100
    Message For Ryder:
    So proud of you, Ryder! Keep fighting to make the world a better place.
    From: Carol & Nick Childs
    Date: July 31st , 2021
    Donation Amount: $100
    Message For Ryder:
    Amazing project, Ryder! We hope we have rainbow crosswalks in every town in Norfolk County!
    From: Anonymous
    Date: July 30th , 2021
    Donation Amount: $99
    Message For Ryder:
    Keep with the program. Let’s aim for at least one crosswalk per town in Norfolk County. Your spirit is infectious. ????❤️
    From: Anonymous
    Date: July 30th , 2021
    Donation Amount: $50
    Message For Ryder:
    Congratulations Ryder! I heard you speak to council and you were amazing. So proud of what you are doing!
    From: Anonymous
    Date: July 30th , 2021
    Donation Amount: $20.00
    Message For Ryder:
    Dear Ryder, Thank you for sharing your idea with our communities. I would like to see rainbows in many, many, many towns in our area. I think a lot of people want this too.
    From: Georgia Gamble
    Date: July 30th , 2021
    Donation Amount: $25
    Message For Ryder:
    Hi Ryder I think the Rainbow Crosswalk is a great idea. What a wonderful way to make Norfolk County more inclusive. I can’t wait to walk across it. Georgia Gamble
    From: Anonymous
    Date: July 30th , 2021
    Donation Amount: 100
    Message For Ryder:
    ❤️???? thank you ????❤️
    From: Holly Balcomb
    Date: July 30th , 2021
    Donation Amount: $100
    Message For Ryder:
    Always be your unique and wonderful self!
    From: Deirdre Chisholm
    Date: July 30th , 2021
    Donation Amount: $25
    Message For Ryder:
    Stay true to yourself, Ryder!
    From: Helen Wagenaar and Jones
    Date: July 30th , 2021
    Donation Amount: $150
    Message For Ryder:
    We love your spirit and your strength, Ryder.
    From: Alexis Kinnear
    Date: July 30th , 2021
    Donation Amount: $50
    Message For Ryder:
    I am so proud to be a member of your community Ryder. You make this world a better place!
    From: Anonymous
    Date: July 30th , 2021
    Donation Amount: $100
    Message For Ryder:
    So proud of you!
    From: Keri Elliott
    Date: July 30th , 2021
    Donation Amount: $25
    Message For Ryder:
    You are an amazing person Ryder! Never stop chasing your dreams. People like you make this world a much brighter, safer, loving space!
    From: Nancy Mae Cowell
    Date: July 30th , 2021
    Donation Amount: $100
    Message For Ryder:
    I love seeing the support and love coming from the community...Ryder you brought us all together just when we needed it! Ryde the Rainbow To inclusiveness!!
    From: Wholesome Pickins Market & Bakery
    Date: July 30th , 2021
    Donation Amount: $100.00
    Message For Ryder:
    Thank you for making Norfolk a brighter place!! May your light forever shine!!!
    From: Amber, Josh, Iris and Georgia Snively
    Date: July 30th , 2021
    Donation Amount: $25
    Message For Ryder:
    Love and acceptance should exist in our community.