Emily Hampshire, Andrea Martin and Jann Arden honoured at star-studded Toronto gala

Three stars making a difference! Emily Hampshire, Andrea Martin and Jann Arden joined forces on the red carpet before accepting awards recognizing the impact of their work beyond the stage and screen. The evening celebrated their dedication to causes ranging from animal welfare to mental health advocacy.

Emily accepted the APJ Canada Changemaker Award from comedian Rick Mercer, a previous recipient of the honour. Recognized for her advocacy around mental health and queer experiences, the Montreal-born Schitt’s Creek star joked that she wasn’t worthy. “Thank you [APJ] for making me a better person by treating me as if I already was one,” she posted afterward.

Jann Arden was only too happy to cuddle an adoptable dog from Project Paws on the red carpet. The singer, author and activist received the Impact Award for her decades of dedication to humanitarian causes. In her acceptance speech, she spoke passionately about animal welfare, a cause inspired by her late mom. “It’s a hill I’ll die on,” she said.

The Handmaid's Tale actress Amanda Brugel – an APJ board member and past Changemaker honouree – was thrilled to present Jann with her Impact Award.

A tribute from a longtime friend made Emily’s evening even more special: her Schitt’s Creek co-star Noah Reid took a seat at the piano to perform a soulful rendition of Billy Joel’s “Vienna” in her honour.

Comedian Rick Mercer played a key part in the evening’s proceedings, presenting Emily with the Changemaker Award he'd previously received.

Haitian music icon Paul Beaubrun moved the audience with two stirring performances, bringing his artistry to an evening dedicated to supporting communities in his homeland.

Layne the Auctionista kept the energy high during the live auction, encouraging guests to bid generously on coveted treasures, including a rare Hermès Birkin bag.

Football great and philanthropist Michael “Pinball” Clemons and his wife, Diane, were among the guests enjoying an evening of music, moving speeches and fundraising for communities in Haiti.

Beverly Hills, 90210 alum Kathleen Robertson joined the stars lending their support to APJ’s mission. The Canadian actress was among the familiar faces gathered for the TIFF-time celebration.

HELLO! Canada editor-in-chief Alison Eastwood joined the celebrations as guests came together to support education and community-led initiatives in Haiti.

Singer and longtime APJ supporter Fefe Dobson stepped out in support of a good cause, joining her fellow Canadian entertainers for an evening celebrating the difference artists can make beyond their creative work.

Philanthropist and APJ board member Kate Daniel received the organization’s Canadian Changemaker Award in 2018 along with her husband, David Daniels.

Mandy Rennehan and Lauren Ferraro led a lively “Fund the Need” finale, with guests raising their hands to purchase 20 special bracelets courtesy of Dean Davidson. Proceeds supported some of the most urgent needs at APJ’s Academy for Peace and Justice.