TELUS gala raises CAD $3 million for youth bursaries

TELUS Friendly Future Foundation raised CAD $3 million at its third annual gala in Toronto, the event's highest total yet.

More than 800 guests attended the evening, which featured a headline performance by Lionel Richie and drew figures from business, philanthropy, technology and the arts. The money will support the foundation's student bursary programme and community board grants. The organisation expects to provide more than 500 bursaries and 500 charitable grants this year.

The result brings the gala's three-year fundraising total to more than CAD $8.1 million. The latest proceeds will fund programmes for young Canadians facing financial, social and educational barriers.

The event follows a separate personal donation of CAD $1 million from Darren Entwistle, President and Chief Executive Officer of TELUS, and Fiona Entwistle. The gift launched the Entwistle Technology Bursary for students in financial need pursuing post-secondary education in science, maths and technology.

The foundation said its bursaries and grants are designed to address pressures including affordability, mental health, and barriers to education and employment. Some bursary recipients and grant beneficiaries attended the gala as guests.

Since its inception, the foundation and TELUS Community Boards across Canada have provided CAD $140 million to support young people in the country, according to the organisation. In 2025 alone, its impact exceeded CAD $10 million through grants and student bursaries.

The broader TELUS group said that, since 2000, it and its employees have contributed more than CAD $1.85 billion in cash, in-kind support, time and programmes, and volunteered 2.5 million days in communities around the world.

Youth focus

The foundation describes supporting young people as its central aim, with funding directed to grassroots charities and students who need financial help to pursue further education. Since the TELUS Student Bursary programme launched in 2023, it has awarded 2,000 bursaries worth more than CAD $6 million, according to the foundation.

In a broader account of its work, the foundation said it has contributed CAD $150 million since 2005 to more than 11,000 charitable initiatives in Canada and abroad. Of that amount, CAD $140 million has gone to Canadian grants.

The annual gala has become one of the group's main fundraising events for youth-focused initiatives. TELUS framed this year's result as a sign of continued donor support at a time when many younger people are facing higher living costs and strain on access to education and jobs.

Corporate backing was a significant part of the evening, with sponsors including RBC Capital Markets, Amazon, Google Cloud, Samsung, TD Securities and WestJet. TELUS was the presenting sponsor.

Executive comments

Darren Entwistle linked the fundraising result to the company's broader view of business and community giving.

"When we bring together passionate supporters, business leaders, philanthropists and community partners who are all dedicated to empowering young Canadians to reach their full potential, we are investing in the innovators and changemakers of tomorrow," said Darren Entwistle, President and Chief Executive Officer of TELUS. "The generosity demonstrated tonight will help remove barriers and create pathways to education for Canada's next generation of leaders who exemplify a passion for social purpose in their communities. The Together for Tomorrow Gala, and the $3 million raised by generous supporters, is a testament to our belief that doing well in business and doing good in our communities are mutually inclusive. Together, we are helping to ensure young people are able to achieve their dreams of a post-secondary education and an opportunity to help shape the future of our communities, our country and our world."

Nimmi Kanji, Executive Director of TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, said the event reflected concern about the range of obstacles facing younger Canadians.

"Our third annual gala united Canadians from coast to coast who believe in the power of investing in youth," said Nimmi Kanji, Executive Director of TELUS Friendly Future Foundation. "The funds raised at the gala will directly support our mission to remove barriers and ensure that every young person in Canada, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to reach their full potential. From affordability pressures, mental health challenges and other barriers to accessing education and employment, too many young Canadians face obstacles that can limit their potential. The support generated through our gala will help ensure those barriers do not define their future. This evening demonstrates Canada's unwavering commitment to unlocking their potential."

Juggy Sihota, Chair of the foundation, also pointed to the pressures on young people as donors contributed a record sum.

"Canadians came together to raise a record amount for youth at a time when affordability, mental health and educational barriers are making it harder than ever for young people to succeed," said Juggy Sihota, Chair of TELUS Friendly Future Foundation. "I'm deeply inspired by the support and participation from our business leaders, philanthropists and community partners who believe that investing in youth is investing in Canada's future. The money raised at the gala will create lasting pathways for underserved young Canadians to break down barriers of entry, pursue their dreams and become the changemakers our country needs."