A Night of Inspiration, Entertainment and Lasting Impact – The TELUS Friendly Future Foundation’s third annual Together for Tomorrow Gala 2026 brought together some of Canada’s most influential leaders, philanthropists, community champions and supporters for an extraordinary evening dedicated to empowering youth across the country.
Held on June 18, 2026, at Toronto’s TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning, the highly anticipated event delivered an unforgettable blend of purpose and entertainment, culminating in a special one-night-only performance by music legend Lionel Richie. Known for his longstanding commitment to giving back, Richie’s appearance added an inspiring dimension to a night focused on creating brighter futures for young Canadians.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of sponsors, donors, volunteers and guests, the gala raised an impressive $3 million to support programs that help young people overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.
Investing in the Next Generation of Canadian Leaders
As youth across Canada continue to navigate challenges including financial hardship, mental health concerns and employment barriers, the Together for Tomorrow Gala serves as a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when communities come together to create meaningful change.
Since its founding, the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, supported by 13 TELUS Community Boards across Canada, has invested $137 million in programs that help young people succeed. In 2025 alone, the Foundation generated more than $10 million in impact through grants, youth-focused health and education initiatives, and student bursaries designed to support future change makers.
“The Together for Tomorrow Gala represents our collective commitment to ensuring every young person has the opportunity to thrive,” said Nimmi Kanji, Executive Director of the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation. “By investing in youth today, we are helping build stronger, more vibrant communities for tomorrow.”
Supporting Youth Through Education and Community Programs
Funds raised during the gala directly support two cornerstone initiatives that are transforming lives across Canada.
TELUS Student Bursary Program
The TELUS Student Bursary Program provides awards of up to $5,000 annually to more than 500 post-secondary students facing financial barriers. Beyond financial assistance, recipients receive valuable wraparound support, including access to affordable connectivity services, mental health resources and professional development opportunities.
Since launching in 2023, the program has supported more than 2,000 students nationwide, with over half of recipients becoming the first in their families to pursue post-secondary education.
TELUS Community Board Grants
The Foundation’s Community Board Grants help fund innovative youth-serving charities and grassroots programs across the country. Each year, more than $6 million is distributed to over 500 organizations delivering impactful health, education and technology-focused initiatives that help young people build confidence, skills and a sense of belonging.
Stories of Transformation
Among the evening’s inspiring highlights was the story of Samarah Maqbool, a McMaster University graduate and TELUS Student Bursary recipient who now serves on TELUS’ Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area Community Board.
Through her work in youth mental health and substance use services, Maqbool has transformed personal experiences into advocacy and leadership, helping improve access to support for vulnerable communities. Her journey reflects the lasting impact that educational opportunities and community investment can have on young people striving to make a difference.
A Celebration of Philanthropy and Community
Hosted by television personality Cheryl Hickey, the gala featured an elegant evening of dining, entertainment and fundraising. Guests also participated in a live auction offering exclusive experiences, with proceeds further advancing the Foundation’s mission.
Following Lionel Richie’s headline performance, attendees continued the celebration at an energetic after-party featuring DJ Jake Wahlberg.
Building on the success of the first two Together for Tomorrow Galas, which collectively raised more than $5 million, this year’s event further cemented its reputation as one of Canada’s premier philanthropic gatherings dedicated to youth empowerment.
Creating a Friendlier Future for Youth
The TELUS Friendly Future Foundation continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people by funding grassroots charities, supporting educational opportunities and investing in programs that foster wellbeing, inclusion and opportunity.
As the Foundation looks ahead, the success of the 2026 Together for Tomorrow Gala demonstrates the incredible impact that can be achieved when communities unite around a shared vision: ensuring every young person has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
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For more information on the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, please visit friendlyfuture.com or follow @FriendlyFutureFoundation on Instagram and LinkedIn.
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