The 18th annual Artists for Peace and Justice Gala, which takes place annually during the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), raised over $700,000 to support education and community-led initiatives in Haiti.
Held at the Windsor Arms hotel, this year’s evening presented awards to actress and comedian Andrea Martin, actress Emily Hampshire and musician Jann Arden in recognition of their philanthropy.
“The reason we honour some of these great people over the years is because there’s a ripple effect,” APJ co-founded and board chair Natasha Koifman told Now. “You do good and you show people that you’re doing that, you’re giving back to the world, it creates a ripple effect to encourage others to do the same.”
APJ has raised over $37 million since its inception, which has gone to support more than 32,000 students gain access to quality education and healthcare.
While Haiti has fallen off the headlines the past decade, the humanitarian crisis remains severe.
According to a recent study (Sept. 17), “an estimated 253,725 children aged 6–59 months in Haiti are expected to experience acute malnutrition between June 2026 and May 2027, including nearly 94,000 facing severe acute malnutrition, while unrelenting violence by armed groups threatens to worsen conditions.”
The study was led by Haiti’s Ministry of Public Health and Population, with support from UN agencies and partners.
“Eighteen years ago, we started APJ and that was before the earthquake hit in Haiti. Six months later, the earthquake happened and Haiti was completely devastated. But I have to tell you, it’s worse now because it’s run by gangs,” says Koifman. “Half of our students can’t get to school because of all the gang violence. Two out of 10 students are in a gang. So, it’s bad. And I don’t think it’s going to change in our lifetime.
“Our goal these days with APJ is how do we help create a pathway for these kids to get out and education is the thruway to be able to do that.”
Even though the APJ Gala is private, the public can donate directly through the website.
“Personally,” Koifman adds, “I think we’re in a society where people think by posting on social media, that’s doing something good. And I think if you have some time to give, volunteer. Do something that brings joy and meaning to someone else.”
During the gala, which was co-hosted by board members George Stroumboulopoulos and Kardinal Offishall, Rick Mercer presented Hampshire with the Canadian Artists for Peace and Justice Changemaker Award, recognizing her advocacy around mental health and queer experiences. Her Schitt’s Creek co-star Noah Reid followed with a musical tribute.
Amanda Brugel presented Arden with the Artists for Peace and Justice Impact Award, honouring her decades of philanthropy and humanitarian work. Stroumboulopoulos presented Martin with the Global Artists for Peace and Justice Award. Martin responded with an impromptu rap.
The evening also highlighted the impact of individual giving. Norman Gaudet, former head of the Toronto French School, announced a full international scholarship he created after discovering APJ’s work. He shared that the first recipient is now living in Canada with a host family.
The live auction generated plenty of excitement, with art by Russell Young, Tyler Shields, Mr. Brainwash and Anthony Ricciardi among the offerings. A rare Birkin also sparked a bidding war.
The night closed with Haitian musician and longtime APJ supporter Paul Beaubrun taking the stage.
