At the top of the Globe and Mail Centre building, the night was filled with smiling faces, eager bidders, and raving Leaf fans for the 22nd Annual Spring for Peace presented by Mattamy Homes. Supporters and legal professionals from across the city gathered on May 1st, 2025, to raise funds to support Peacebuilders programs. These programs play a crucial role in empowering and encouraging youth affected by systemic injustice, making every smile and bid a step towards a brighter future.
Guests were not just inspired, but deeply moved by the powerful speech from CFL legend Michael “Pinball” Clemons, a philanthropist who contributes to youth facing barriers. They also learned about the profound impact of Peacebuilders’ programming and training in schools, with first-hand experience shared by Toronto District School Board Principal Alan Malolos.
“This year and last year, I had Peacebuilders come in and train most of my grade 7 and 8 students. That is instrumental because they don’t have that in teacher’s college, giving the teachers the tools to create peace circles and do restorative practice in class to build strong classroom communities, give the kids the language of conflict resolution, teach them the language of respect is so important.
Before Peacebuilders came into my building this year, I had very high number of suspension rates. From the day the teachers received training, suspensions were down from double digits to one. That restorative practice training was a huge difference,” said Malolos.
These insights left everyone with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to the cause.
Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, Mattamy Homes, and to:
- Michael “Pinball” Clemons, for an inspiring keynote
- Alan Malolos, for bravely sharing his story
- Grandmother Kim, for grounding us in tradition
- Shahaddah Jack, Cody Cuisia, and Ben Plisky-Somers, for your contributions
- Royal Blue Events Management and DJ Tilt, for bringing the night to life
View below to relive the magic.
