THUNDER BAY — City police aim to build relationships in the community as well as fundraise for local charities with a gala event once again.
The Thunder Bay Police Service charity gala will return for a second time in 2027 after the success of the inaugural event this year.
The police service’s gala committee made the announcement at BGC, formerly the Boys and Girls Club, on Thursday. The event will once again take place at the Italian Cultural Centre, on Feb. 27.
The gala, Police Chief Darcy Fleury said, is an opportunity “to celebrate the partnerships that we have in the community that really are making everything that we do possible.”
Thunder Bay BGC as well as Special Olympics Thunder Bay are the two recipient organizations of the gala proceeds.
Funds raised help the two chosen organizations continue to provide valuable programs and opportunities, Fleury said.
“Last year we raised just over $68,000,” Fleury said, adding that the goal for this year is $70,000.
Corporate sponsors RBC and TBay Tel have provided immense support, Fleury said.
Albert Aiello is CEO of BGC Thunder Bay and said their relationship with the police and emergency services goes back decades.
“They’ve always been a supporter of the Boys and Girls Clubs, whether it’s financial, or in running programs for us here at the club.
“Funds from an event like this truly is an investment in community,” Aiello said.
“Our role is to fill the needs that exist in our community when it comes to children and youth, and we take that very seriously.”
As a member of the gala committee, he said his participation has been truly rewarding because it strengthens the programming they can offer youth.
“A lot of times (kids) come to us when they’re four years old and when they’re 18, they’re still here now as volunteers or as staff.”
Fleury said investments by the police service into an organization like BGC is mutually beneficial.
“Anything that we can do to assist young people, to help them live healthy lifestyles and stay away from some of the downfalls that life brings, I think is important,” he said.
James Stoltz is the community coordinator for Special Olympics Thunder Bay. He said being a fundraising partner with this event is meaningful to fulfill much-needed travel expenses for local athletes.
“When we travel for provincial games, which is, we are in January, the funding will help with that, help with sporting events, training and buying new equipment,” he said.
The travel expense is a big one because most of the events, he said, are in Southern Ontario.
Police are inviting businesses and organizations to support the 2027 gala, which is presented by RBC and Tbaytel, by sponsoring the event or donating items for the live and silent auctions.
Ticket sales will be limited. Details about availability will be announced at a later date.
