APJ raises over $700,000 to support education and community-led initiatives in Haiti

TORONTO, Sept. 14, 2026 /CNW/ -- Board Chair Natasha Koifman and powerhouse board members George Stroumboulopoulos, Kardinal Offishall, Amanda Brugel and more, hosted the 18th annual Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ) Gala this evening at the Windsor Arms Hotel, the landmark venue that hosted the organization's first Toronto gala. Recognized as one of the city's most anticipated philanthropic events, the gala raised over $700,000 to support education and community-led initiatives in Haiti.

Since its founding, APJ has raised over $37 million and supported more than 32,000 students through access to quality education, healthcare, and opportunity.

The evening honoured three remarkable women whose careers and philanthropy embody the spirit of Artists for Peace and Justice: Andrea Martin, Emily Hampshire and Jann Arden.

Natasha Koifman, Chair of the Board, opened the evening with remarks on APJ's evolving mission, from rebuilding after the 2010 earthquake to using education as a lifeline for children caught in Haiti's escalating gang crisis today. "Believing in a better future is no longer enough. We have to be the lifeline that helps pull these children out of danger. The situation in Haiti has changed dramatically since APJ was founded, and while we haven't been able to return to the country because of the ongoing crisis, our commitment to the children we serve has never wavered. Today, education is not just about preparing young Haitians to rebuild their country in the future - it is a lifeline in the present, giving children a safe place to learn, hope, and build a path beyond the violence. The humanitarian crisis and the daily struggle to survive are unimaginable, and that makes our work more urgent than ever."

Evening Highlights

• Setting the tone for the night, a buzzy red carpet welcomed a special group of guests: adoptable puppies from Project Paws, who posed for photos with talent and guests to help spotlight pets in need of a home.
• APJ Board Members George Stroumboulopoulos and Kardinal Offishall returned as emcees for the evening, welcoming guests and expressing gratitude for the continued generosity that fuels APJ's mission.
• Rick Mercer, a past APJ Award recipient, presented Emily Hampshire with the Canadian Artists for Peace and Justice Changemaker Award, celebrating her work using her platform to raise awareness around mental health and queer experiences. Hampshire's Schitt's Creek co-star Noah Reid took the stage after to perform a special song in her honour.
• Amanda Brugel, last year's Changemaker Award recipient and a new APJ board member, presented Jann Arden with the Artists for Peace and Justice Impact Award, in recognition of her decades-long commitment to philanthropy, humanitarian causes and giving back to communities in need.
• George Stroumboulopoulos presented Andrea Martin with the Global Artists for Peace and Justice Award, honouring her longstanding commitment to humanitarian causes and her dedication to creating positive change. Martin surprised the room with an impromptu rap after accepting the honour.
• Norman Gaudet, former head of the Toronto French School, took the stage to announce an extraordinary milestone: inspired by Wes Hall, he created a full international scholarship after discovering APJ's mission last year. He proudly shared that Schnaider, the Academy's scholarship recipient, has officially arrived in Canada and is settling in with his host family, a testament to the importance of giving these children new opportunities outside of Haiti.
• The live auction, led by The Auctionista, was one of the night's most electric moments, as guests bid fast and furiously on an extraordinary collection of art. Celebrated artists Russell Young, Tyler Shields and Mr. Brainwash, courtesy of Taglialatella Gallery, along with Anthony Ricciardi, saw their work draw serious heat in the room. Young, in attendance for the evening, unveiled a truly one-of-a-kind charitable commission: a family portrait shot by CAFA winner Renata Kaveh and rendered in his signature diamond dust technique, destined to become a cherished heirloom for its new owner.
• The energy hit a fever pitch over a rare Birkin, courtesy of Carly Jordan, sparking a spirited bidding war between guests determined not to leave empty-handed. Also up for grabs: travel packages from Air Canada, a culinary evening at Michelin-starred Enigma Yorkville, and two once-in-a-lifetime experiences, the Bautista Impact Summit in the Bahamas and a getaway to Hightail Ranch in Montana.
• Mandy Rennehan and Lauren Ferraro led a lively final Fund the Need moment, courtesy of Dean Davidson, with guests raising their hands to purchase 20 special bracelets to support some of the highest-need areas of APJ's Academy for Peace and Justice.
• Haitian music icon and long-time APJ supporter Paul Beaubrun closed the night with an emotional performance.

Generous sponsors for this year's event include: Air Canada, 2Fifteen by DBS Developments, Audi, and Forest Hill Group.

Download Images here –  Credit Shutterstock Images (Photographers: Tyler Da Silva/ and Ernesto DiStefano)

ABOUT ARTISTS FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE

Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ) is a non-profit organization that encourages peace and social justice and addresses issues of poverty around the world. APJ's immediate goal is to serve the poorest communities in Haiti with programs in education, healthcare, and dignity through the arts. The organization is committed to long-term, sustainable development in direct partnership with the Haitian people. APJ partners with St. Luke's Foundation in Haiti. To learn more, visit www.apjnow.org or follow @artistsforpeace on Instagram and Twitter.

ABOUT NKPR

NKPR was started in 2002 by Natasha Koifman to combine two passions: shining a spotlight on stories of substance and supporting causes that are making a difference around the world. Over the past 24 years, NKPR has established itself as a highly regarded full-service public relations, artist management and digital agency with offices in Toronto, New York and Los Angeles, representing over 40 national and international brands and supporting charitable organizations like Artists for Peace and Justice. For more information, visit NKPR on social media @natashankpr or at www.nkpr.net.

SOURCE Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ)