As a leader of Sault Pride, Chris Oliver advocates for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in SPACES, the Sault's new social connector Chris Oliver, the host of SooToday’s Pride Space, came back to his hometown to help make a difference — and being a SPACES host is just one way he is fulfilling his mission. SEE: Home improvement expert takes you inside the job, in SPACES SPACES is SooToday’s very own social connector, a place where residents of Sault Ste. Marie can meet and talk about all kinds of issues, interests and events that are Sault-Ste.-Marie focused. SEE: So you want to be a SPACES host “I grew up here in the Sault and was not a huge fan of what I saw was what the community was about. I tried to join a few inclusive groups, but had little success,” said Oliver. Eventually, he moved to Toronto, worked as a child and youth worker, and “learned so much about community in a variety of settings. I saw things and became a part of things, through my work, that helped me see so many different perspectives of what youth have to go through,” he said. SEE: Musician lends his voice to SPACES, empowering others to pursue their creative talents Eventually, Oliver returned to the Sault and finally was able to be a part of the Sault Pride organization. SEE: Sault newcomer excited to welcome others to a special space “I was excited to see the new direction it was taking based around the hard work and perseverance of the two prior leaders,” he explained. “Now I am trying very hard along with the new leaders to make Sault Pride something stronger and with transparency and integrity.” SEE: Illustrator turned business owner animates SPACES When Oliver heard SPACES was being launched, he realized there was another opportunity to make a difference, and to help his community where he could. “My focus is with education, helping youth and other vulnerable members of our community through their many intersecting vulnerabilities. I want to make sure everyone knows there are events, places and spaces to go to where they are safe and accepted.” SEE: Jacob McEachern hits the mark with Archery Space “When Andrew reached out to me and said he thought I was the perfect person to host the Pride space, I was honoured. I want to make it another safe space where people can learn about everything Pride in our community.” The Pride Space has over 100 members already and is proving itself to be a safe and busy space, with many inclusive events and groups being uplifted and highlighted. SEE: Talented local carpenter helps us build the Sault’s new social network Oliver has posted a few times about Sault Pride events, and is focusing on commenting and liking posts as well. “Elise Nelson from SooToday is very active,” he commented. “She often gets to posting events and other things faster than I can. Then, I work on uplifting what she is posting, and commenting and liking it.” SPACES is something that Oliver believes can bring the community together. He enjoys many of the other spaces as well, including Sports, What's for dinner, and other community spaces. He said, “I enjoy posting some cooking I am doing, I like to improvise and then will post about how that went.” Oliver is firmly rooted back in the Sault now, and is excited for what it can be. SEE: Longtime cyclist’s spokes keep spinning in SPACES “I grew up here, born and raised. I left the Sault in my mid-30s to have a better chance with my career as a child and youth worker. I came back 10-ish years later with so much more knowledge than I expected and a partner who has never seen winters like this.” SEE: Wine aficionado wants to help you find the perfect bottle, in SPACES “I want to see the Sault advance. I don't want to focus on the bad, I want to bring light to the good it has, and the good it can be. I always have.” SEE: Master stylist and bridal guru brings her magic to SPACES Keep up-to-date, share your pride and join in on the conversation, in the Pride space. SEE: Exotic pet breeder hatches new community in SPACES