More than 700 guests gathered for a one-night only event with performances by Barenaked Ladies, Arkells, Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor, and Jully Black
Photos by: George Pimentel
TELUS Friendly Future Foundation hosted its inaugural fundraising gala, at the iconic TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning, home of the Royal Conservatory of Music. ‘Together for Tomorrow: A Friendly Future Gala by TELUS’ raised over $2.5M to help youth from underserved communities reach their full potential. More than 700 guests gathered to enjoy fine dining, a concert featuring performances by Juno Award-winning artists and a live and silent auction. The Foundation was also proud to welcome its TELUS Student Bursary recipients as honoured guests at the event.
“Our inaugural gala united guests from Canada’s leading business, philanthropic and arts communities, and I am exceedingly grateful for their support of the critical work being undertaken by TELUS Friendly Future Foundation. Together, we are proud to have raised over $2.5 million, which will empower underserved young people across Canada to realize their full potential,” said Darren Entwistle, President & CEO of TELUS and Founding Donor, TELUS Friendly Future Foundation. “The money raised will support the Foundation’s TELUS Student Bursary program, which is the country’s largest national bursary fund, helping to ensure that every young person in Canada who wants an education can get one, regardless of their socioeconomic circumstances, whilst supporting the Foundation’s important efforts to create a friendlier future for our inspiring leaders of tomorrow.”
Since launching in 2018, TELUS Friendly Future Foundation has funded more than 500 local and grassroots charities each year; enabling these organizations to deliver life-changing health and education outcomes to support over 15 million youth nationwide – significantly more than any other Canadian Foundation. With the support of our partners, 100% of funds raised will go directly to support youth, including financial assistance for hundreds of students facing financial difficulties through the Foundation’s TELUS Student Bursary. Our thanks to Jay McCauley and Christi Himmelheber who Co-Chaired the event.
“I am honoured to support the life-changing efforts of TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, and deeply committed to raising the profile of the Foundation’s important work,” said Ashif Mawji, Chair of the Board, TELUS Friendly Future Foundation. “The gala spotlighted some of the most hard-working and inspiring youth I’ve met, and I am in awe of their passion, perseverance and success. The results of this year’s gala demonstrates first-hand the incredible impact individuals can make when we come together to help support real, meaningful change in the lives of young people.”
To help even more young changemakers attend post-secondary or to help fund critical local programming for youth in your community please visit friendlyfuture.com.
