Operation Fundraiser is a group of charities that run the ticket/wristband operation for Manchester Pride and collect money during the event.

In 2002, the event was free and it seems most of the money they collected did go to good causes. That all changed in 2003 when they handed £200,000 to Manchester Pride to run the event.

It seems this happened again in 2004, thought it is all kept very quiet so the public believes they are giving lots of money to good causes instead of to cover the bloated running costs of Pride:

Running costs in 2002: £106,000

Running costs in 2003: £556,000

Right now Operation Fundraiser is handing out a deceptive so-called 'Annual Report 2004-2005' which explains: 'how your money was spent':

See an online version here:

 http://www.lgf.org.uk/media_campaign_article.php?ID=363

No where does it mention the £200,000+ that was very likely handed over by Operation Fundraiser to Manchester Pride to cover running costs of the 2004 event, as it was in 2003.

Operation Fundraiser says in the report 'net proceeds' from Pride 2004 were £165,596. And there is a nice pie chart showing how 100% of this went to good causes.

Do the sums yourself. Earlier in the year they said 36,000 people attended Pride 2004. 36,000 wristbands at an average £10 each would be income of about £360,000. Minus £200,000 and you get about £165,596.

That means one-third (or less) of the ticket/wristband money and Operation Fundraiser bucket collection money goes to good causes in the end.

Manchester City Council brags that the 1999 Mardi Gras (the one that raised zero for good causes) brought £20Million of business into the city. Yet still we have to fund this event.

Boycott this cynical event and campaign so we able to celebrate being lesbian, gay, bi or TG for free.

Anyone interested in taking part in a video that will go online?