Lionel Richie to Headline TELUS Gala for Youth Empowerment

TORONTO, ON – April 27, 2026 – As Canadian youth grapple with unprecedented mental health, financial, and employment challenges, the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation is enlisting a global music icon to amplify its response. The foundation announced that four-time Grammy winner Lionel Richie will headline its third annual ‘Together for Tomorrow Gala’ on June 18, 2026, an event that has quickly become a cornerstone of Canadian philanthropy aimed at supporting the nation's next generation.

The gala, held at Toronto's TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning, aims to unite leaders from business, technology, and culture to raise critical funds. These proceeds are earmarked for programs designed to dismantle barriers and foster opportunities for young people across the country, continuing a mission that has already seen the foundation and its associated community boards direct $137 million into Canadian youth initiatives.

A Mission Beyond the Music

While the promise of an exclusive performance from Lionel Richie provides the evening's star power, the event's core purpose is firmly rooted in addressing pressing societal issues. Building on the success of its first two galas, which collectively raised over $5 million, this year's event seeks to bolster two of the foundation's flagship programs: the TELUS Student Bursary and the TELUS Community Board Grants.

"When we invest in youth, we invest in the future of our communities," said Nimmi Kanji, Executive Director of the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, in a statement. "The Together for Tomorrow Gala represents our collective commitment to removing barriers and ensuring that every young person in Canada, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to reach their full potential." Kanji highlighted the immense financial pressures that threaten the ambitions of young people today, stressing that targeted support can unlock their potential to become future leaders.

All funds raised will directly fuel the foundation’s work, a claim substantiated by its unique operating model. TELUS, the foundation's founding partner, covers all administrative and operational costs, ensuring that 100 percent of donations, including every dollar raised at the gala, goes directly to charitable programs. This level of transparency is critical in a sector where donors increasingly seek assurance of their contributions' impact.

A Lifeline for the Next Generation

The most direct impact of the fundraising can be seen in the TELUS Student Bursary program. Launched in 2023, it has already provided over $6 million to 2,000 students. The program awards up to $5,000 annually to post-secondary students facing financial hardship who are also committed to creating social impact in their own communities.

Significantly, the bursary is not just a cheque. It includes comprehensive "wraparound support" that addresses the multifaceted challenges students face. This includes free or heavily discounted internet and mobile plans, access to mental health services through TELUS Health, and professional development opportunities. This holistic approach is particularly vital for the 50 percent of recipients who are the first in their families to pursue higher education, a demographic that often navigates post-secondary life without a familial roadmap.

The story of Samarah Maqbool, a McMaster University graduate, illustrates the program's transformative power. "The TELUS Student Bursary didn't just help me afford my education – it freed me to focus on what I'm truly passionate about: advocating for health equity and amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities," she stated. After benefiting from the program's financial and wraparound support, Maqbool has come full circle, now serving on the TELUS Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area Community Board, where she helps direct funding toward youth mental health initiatives.

Grassroots Impact Through Community Boards

Beyond individual student support, gala proceeds also fortify the foundation's extensive grassroots network. Through its 13 Canadian TELUS Community Boards, the organization distributes $6 million in grants annually to more than 500 local charities. These grants, typically up to $20,000, empower local organizations to deliver innovative, often technology-enabled, health and education programs tailored to their community's specific needs.

This decentralized model allows for agile and responsive funding, ensuring that support reaches youth in diverse contexts, from urban centers to remote regions. It is this combination of broad-based community funding and targeted individual support that defines the foundation's two-pronged strategy for youth empowerment.

The 'Social Capitalism' Blueprint

The gala and the foundation's work are emblematic of a broader corporate philosophy that TELUS terms "social capitalism." The telecommunications giant has publicly committed to leveraging its resources and technology to drive positive social outcomes, a pledge backed by a reported $1.85 billion in community investment and 2.5 million volunteer days from its team since 2000. The foundation, established in 2018, is the formal charitable extension of this long-standing "give where we live" ethos.

By endowing the student bursary program with an initial $25 million and covering all of the foundation's overhead, TELUS positions itself as a facilitator of public generosity rather than just a corporate donor. This strategic approach, which combines corporate resources with public fundraising and celebrity engagement, offers a powerful model for corporate social responsibility that aims for measurable, long-term impact.

Hosted by television personality Cheryl Hickey, the 'Together for Tomorrow Gala' will also feature a live auction and an afterparty with DJ Jake Wahlberg. As guests gather for an evening of entertainment, the ultimate focus remains on the thousands of young Canadians whose futures can be reshaped by the funds raised. The event serves as a high-profile reminder that addressing complex social issues requires a collaborative effort, where corporate commitment, community action, and the power of philanthropy converge to create tangible change.