The inaugural Thunder Bay Police Service Charity Gala raised $68,502.50 to support local youth programs in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Results from the fundraiser, which was held on February 28, 2026, were shared on March 20, 2026, confirming that the money will be split between two community organizations.
The money will be shared equally between Special Olympics Thunder Bay and BGC Thunder Bay, with each group receiving more than $33,500. These funds help provide sports for athletes with intellectual disabilities and safe spaces for children and teenagers between the ages of 4 and 18.
More than 270 guests attended the gala at the Italian Cultural Centre for an evening of dinner and live music. A charity auction also featured limited-edition artwork donated from the estate of the famous Indigenous artist Norval Morrisseau to help reach the final fundraising goal.
Chief Darcy Fleury, who became the first Indigenous police chief in the city in 2023, said the event helps build trust and stronger relationships with the community. The police service has worked with the Special Olympics for over 30 years to support local athletes and provide them with opportunities to compete.
The Thunder Bay Police Association, representing 325 members, and local sponsors like RBC and Motorola also helped make the fundraiser a success. The organizers noted that BGC Thunder Bay has served local families for over 50 years and relies on these types of donations to keep its youth programs running.
