The Telus Friendly Future Foundation announced Monday its third annual Together for Tomorrow Gala on June 18 in Toronto raised a record-breaking $3 million to support underserved youth across Canada through post-secondary bursaries and community programs.
More than 800 guests gathered for an evening headlined by four-time Grammy winner Lionel Richie, whose exclusive performance “underscored the urgency of supporting youth facing unprecedented mental health challenges, employment barriers and financial hardship,” Telus said in an emailed announcement. The gala brought together hundreds of leaders from Canada’s business, philanthropic, technology and arts communities, Telus said.
The funds raised will directly support the Telus Student Bursary program and Telus Community Board Grants, providing more than 500 bursaries and 500 charitable grants this year, in support of thousands of young Canadians facing financial, social and educational barriers, according to Telus’s press release.
“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,” Juggy Sihota, chair of the Telus Friendly Future Foundation, said in the press release. “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.”
Building on the success of the first two galas, this year’s event brings the three-year gala total to more than $8.1 million, Telus said. Since inception, the Telus Friendly Future Foundation and Telus Community Boards across Canada have provided $140 million to support youth. In 2025 alone, the foundation exceeded $10 million in awarded student bursaries and grants, according to Telus.
Photo of Juggy Sihota, chair of the Telus Friendly Future Foundation, addressing guests at the third annual Together for Tomorrow Gala on June 18, courtesy of Telus. Photo credit: George Pimentel Photography.
