TELUS Friendly Future Foundation Gala returns with headliner Lionel Richie

The TELUS Friendly Future Foundation announced its third annual gala will take place on June 18, 2026 at the iconic TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning in Toronto. As young Canadians face increasing challenges ranging from mental health concerns to employment barriers and financial hardship, the gala brings together Canada’s business, philanthropic, technology, and cultural leaders to raise funds to address these urgent issues. Since its inception, the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, with the support of the 13 Canadian TELUS Community Boards, has provided $137 million to support youth across Canada. In 2025 alone, the Foundation exceeded $10 million in impact through grants that fuel critical youth-focused health and education programs and student bursaries that empower the next generation of changemakers to pursue their post-secondary dreams.

All funds raised from the gala directly support the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation’s mission to help youth reach their full potential through two vital programs:

  • The TELUS Student Bursary awards up to $5,000 annually to more than 500 deserving post-secondary students facing financial barriers and committed to giving back to their communities. Beyond financial aid, recipients gain access to comprehensive wraparound support including free or heavily discounted TELUS Mobility and Internet for Good plans, mental health services through TELUS Health and professional development opportunities. Since launching in 2023, the program has supported 2,000 students, with more than 50 per cent of all recipients being the first in their families to pursue higher education. 
  • TELUS Community Board Grants, which help fund critical, youth-serving charitable programs. The Foundation and its 13 Canadian TELUS Community Boards provide $6 million in grants annually to more than 500 local charities across the country. These grants support innovative, technology-enabled health and education programs that help millions of youth develop critical skills, confidence, and a deep sense of belonging in their communities.

The Together for Tomorrow Gala has become Canada’s premier philanthropic event dedicated to youth empowerment. Building on the success of the first two galas – which raised over $5 million – this year’s event, hosted by television personality Cheryl Hickey, promises an extraordinary evening of entertainment and impact. The night will culminate with an exclusive, one-night-only headline performance by four-time Grammy award winner Lionel Richie. Following the gala, guests are invited to continue the celebration at the afterparty with DJ Jake Wahlberg. A live auction will offer exclusive experiences and opportunities, giving guests the chance to bid on unique items while directly supporting the Foundation’s mission.

The Foundation would like to express a special thanks to TELUS, its many sponsors, donors and volunteers who help make this remarkable event possible.

For more information about the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation Gala, please visit friendlyfuture.com/gala. To learn more about gala sponsorship and attendance, please email info@friendlyfuture.com

Leave a Reply

Discover more from The IT Nerd

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading