40 Years of WISH
Sep 24, 2025
2024-25 Annual Report
WISH has been supporting street-based sex workers since 1984, and in 2024, reached the milestone of 40 years in service to the community.
This is an incredible achievement, but it also highlights the lack of progress made in the past four decades towards protecting the rights and safety of cis and trans women, Two-Spirit, non-binary and gender diverse sex workers.
As Steph Sia said at In Solidarity last year,
“Folks are waking up to the truth that sex work is a labour issue, a human rights issue, and a feminist issue. It’s exciting to see more and more people striving to protect the health and safety of sex workers. It’s not perfect but it is progress.”
Read more about what we achieved together in our Annual Report – including feedback from WISH participants, program highlights, messages from WISH’s Board of Directors, and new Executive Director, speaking to how difficult this year was and how we are collectively moving forward, and more.
Download the Annual Report PDF, or enjoy the articles below.
Message from the Board
With the support of an incredible leadership team and dedicated staff and volunteers, the board is confident in WISH’s ability to adapt while still living our values of acceptance, dignity and respect for street-based sex workers.
Message from the Executive Director
We are consciously shifting from a culture of urgency to one of intention, where we can better align our activities with our objectives and the needs of participants.
WISH Year at a Glance
Updates on WISH participants, organizational developments, and community highlights from 2024-25.
In Solidarity: WISH 40th Anniversary Fundraiser
Supporters from across the community came together to celebrate 40 years of critical support for street-based sex workers provided by WISH Drop-In Centre Society.
The most critical services
To remain responsive, and relevant, participant feedback is key. As WISH grappled with a significant reduction in services, InReach staff conducted 29 in-depth participant interviews to learn what services are most critical at WISH.