TORONTO, July 25,
2024 /PRNewswire/ - Artists for Peace and
Justice (APJ), a leading non-profit organization dedicated
to peace, social justice, and providing education in Haiti, is thrilled to announce its 16th
annual gala, taking place on Sunday,
September 8th, 2024. This highly anticipated event
hosted by NKPR founder Natasha Koifman, is one of the most coveted
events during the Toronto Film
Festival. The gala unites renowned changemakers, philanthropists,
and artists to support APJ's mission. Since its inception, APJ
has raised over $35M and built
the first free high school in Port-au-Prince Haiti, allowing over 31,000
students to receive an education.
Co-chaired by NKPR founder Natasha
Koifman (Canadian & US Board Chair) and
Suzanne Boyd (Canadian &
US Board of Directors and Zoomer Magazine Editor-in-Chief
and Publisher), each year the APJ Gala recognizes extraordinary
individuals who have used their influence to make a significant
impact on the world. The entire APJ board, which includes George
Stroumboulopoulos and Kardinal Offishall, proudly announces the
recognition of world-renowned ethologist and environmentalist,
Dr. Jane Goodall with the
prestigious APJ Lifetime Achievement Award. This
honour celebrates Dr. Goodall's remarkable 60+ year journey of
groundbreaking exploration, scientific discoveries, unwavering
commitment to environmental preservation and impactful
philanthropic contributions.
As Dr. Goodall DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall
Institute and United Nations Messenger of Peace, expressed, "I
am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this Lifetime Achievement
Award from Artists for Peace and Justice. This recognition
reaffirms the importance of our collective efforts for the
protection of our planet and all its inhabitants. Together, we can
create a more peaceful and just world for future generations."
"I am incredibly proud of the work that we've done at APJ and
the impact we've been able to make over the last 16 years," says
Natasha Koifman, APJ Canadian
& US Board Chair. "That said, this year's efforts are more
important than ever given the dire circumstances in Haiti today. Haiti mirrors a world in crisis. At this
crucial tipping point, APJ recognizes the urgency. This year, our
Lifetime Achievement award finds a fitting recipient in Dr.
Jane Goodall, whose unwavering
commitment to nature inspires global citizenship and activism. Our
collective action can make a profound difference, and together, we
can bring hope and tangible change to those who need it most."
This shared vision of youth empowerment and resilience is the
connective thread that aligns the missions of the Jane Goodall
Institute of Canada and Artists
for Peace and Justice, making their collaboration a powerful force
for good.
This year, the prestigious Canadian Changemaker Award
will be presented to comedian, television personality, political
satirist and author, Rick
Mercer. This accolade celebrates Mr. Mercer's
significant philanthropic contributions and advocacy for social
change. Mr. Mercer co-founded Spread the Net, and supports many
charities such as; Hope Air, the Walk for Life fundraiser for
HIV/AIDS, PFLAG, and Toronto's
Casey House. "I am beyond flattered
to receive this recognition. Artists for Peace and Justice are
committed to improving the lives and the future of the most
vulnerable children in the world. They have been tireless in their
efforts and unbowed in the face of adversity. I am humbled to be in
their presence and inspired by their mission and their history,"
says Rick Mercer.
"Rick Mercer is a national
treasure who has used comedy and satire to speak truth to power and
reveal the Canadian spirit - showing us who we are. His record
of philanthropy shows us who he is - an artist who lives an
authentic life driven by compassion. APJ is honoured that he has
accepted this award, joining the many well-deserved
accolades he has garnered through his historic career, for
his change-making contributions," says Suzanne Boyd, APJ Canadian &
US Board Co-Chair.
Past APJ award recipients include Jackson Browne, Sean
Penn, Norman Jewison, Geddy
Lee, Director X, Dax Dasilva,
Drew & Jonathan Scott,
Eric McCormack, and Nelly Furtado among others.
Despite the remarkable progress APJ has made to date, their
mission takes on new urgency given the current challenges in
Haiti. Now, more than ever, the
people of Haiti need our
humanitarian aid and unwavering support from the global
community. Through this event, Artists for Peace and Justice
foundation hopes to generate increased awareness and funds to
support the people on their mission to build a better life.
The APJ gala is sure to be an unforgettable evening, filled with
powerful performances, international artist collaborations, and
one-of-a-kind auction items, all set in one of Toronto's newest premier venues - The Imperial
Toronto, a newly restored 19th century Church.
APJ would also like to thank its generous 2024 event sponsors
for helping to make this event possible: Audi, Air
Canada, 2Fifteen by DBS Developments, Wise Family Foundation,
Perigon, and NKPR.
For more information on the event or sponsorship inquiries –
please visit https://www.apjnow.org/events/.
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. The model is simple:
APJ believes in empowering local communities, fostering economic
growth, and the power of education to change a nation. To learn
more, visit www.apjnow.org or follow @artistsforpeace
on Instagram and Twitter.
About NKPR
NKPR was started in 2002 by Natasha
Koifman in order 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 22 years, NKPR
has established itself as a highly regarded full-service public
relations, artist management and digital agency with offices in
Toronto and New York, 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 & @nkpr.inc or at
www.nkpr.net
About Jane Goodall Institute
The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) is a global, community-centered
conservation organization founded in 1977 that advances the vision
and work of Dr. Jane Goodall in over
30 countries. It aims to understand wildlife and their habitats and
to empower people to be compassionate citizens committed to
conservation.
Inspired by our founder, the Jane Goodall Institute of
Canada is dedicated to creating a
more just and sustainable world through community-centered
conservation work that empowers people, protects wildlife, and
heals our shared environments. Our holistic approach combines
science, relationships, storytelling, and policy to create positive
community conservation programs that lead to a sustainable future
for animals, people, and the environment.
For more information on Jane Goodall Institute of Canada's initiatives and how to support,
please visit www.janegoodall.ca.
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SOURCE Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ)