Home / Arts and Entertainment / Toronto Charity Gala Raises $750K for Haiti Education
Toronto Charity Gala Raises $750K for Haiti Education
8 Sep
Summary
- 17th annual Artists for Peace and Justice gala held in Toronto
- Raised $750,000 to support education and community programs in Haiti
- Emotional performances and speeches from Fefe Dobson, Amanda Brugel, and others
On September 8, 2025, the 17th annual Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ) gala took place in Toronto, raising $750,000 to support education and community-led initiatives in Haiti. The event, presented in partnership with Entertainment Weekly, NKPR, and others, included powerful performances and speeches from a lineup of artists.
NKPR founder Natasha Koifman, who serves as APJ's Canadian and U.S. Board Chair, reflected on the organization's progress, noting that when APJ was founded in 2009, "many people didn't even know where Haiti was." However, 17 years later, the Toronto community continues to show its commitment to the cause.
The evening featured emotional performances by Fefe Dobson, Kardinal Offishall, Rotimi, Paul Beaubrun, and Charmie, as well as a song from brothers William and Alexandre Osias, who graduated from the Academy for Peace and Justice, Haiti's only free middle and secondary school founded and funded by APJ.
Workin' Moms actress Dani Kind presented an award to The Handmaid's Tale star and Canada's Drag Race judge Amanda Brugel for her "unwavering dedication to advocacy and representation." In her acceptance speech, Brugel emphasized the responsibility that comes with privilege and the importance of creating a level playing field for the children of Haiti.
The majority of the funds raised during the gala were from a live auction led by best-selling author Eric Hendrikx, which included highlights like former Toronto Blue Jays all-star José Bautista recreating his iconic bat-flip moment.
