1,500 Gather for 46th Annual Cardinal’s Dinner

On Nov. 5, 1,500 guests came together at Pearson Convention Centre in Brampton, Ont., for the 46^th annual Cardinal’s Dinner. Over the years, the dinner has raised $7 million for local charities not fully funded by traditional sources. In 2024, 29 charities benefitted from the dinner proceeds.

“It takes courage to step out of the echo chambers of our comfort zones,” said His Eminence Frank Cardinal Leo, as he delivered his keynote address. “It takes strength to challenge narratives that reduce others to mere problems and it takes new eyes – the eyes of the heart – to look at someone who is broken, wounded, battered and living in modern forms of slavery and still recognize their humanity.

“Everyone of us has a role to play in building the world we want to live in, the world we want to leave behind and indeed a world God so desires.”

Founded by Gerald Emmett Cardinal Carter in 1979, the late archbishop believed passionately that local leaders from the world of business, politics and religion should come together in fellowship and fraternity to strengthen the communities in which they work, live and worship.

This year’s head table of more than 40 special guests included Dinner Chair Anna Rossetti, His Excellency Ivan Jurkovič, Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins, Premier Doug Ford, Hon. John Zerucelli, Secretary of State for Labour and Mayor of Vaughan Steven Del Duca. Attendees also included leaders from a variety of faith communities, business leaders, clergy, religious and parishioners from throughout the archdiocese.

We thank all those who joined us and helped to make this year’s Cardinal’s Dinner a beautiful evening of fellowship and fraternity!