Toronto gala celebrates Hampshire, Martin and Arden's advocacy
The 18th Artists for Peace and Justice gala at Toronto's Windsor Arms Hotel honored Emily Hampshire, Andrea Martin and Jann Arden. The fundraiser brought in over $700,000 for education and community projects in Haiti. Andrea Martin performed a rap written by Lin-Manuel Miranda in character as Edith Prickley, and Jann Arden spoke about animal welfare.
The 18th Artists for Peace and Justice fundraiser was held at Toronto’s Windsor Arms Hotel during the film festival. It honored Emily Hampshire, Andrea Martin and Jann Arden and brought in more than $700,000 for schooling and locally led projects in Haiti.
Martin, 79, accepted the Global Artists for Peace and Justice Award and performed a rap penned by Lin-Manuel Miranda while in character as SCTV’s Edith Prickley. Hampshire received the Canada Changemaker Award from Rick Mercer; Arden got the Impact Award and spoke about animal welfare.
The event’s visibility could draw new attention to mental health, queer experiences, animal welfare and Haitian education. Fans and donors may be prompted to support related groups, and community organizations could gain from increased awareness. The clearest potential beneficiaries may be children and local projects in Haiti, though lasting impact would depend on whether interest continues after the gala.