Message from the Mayor

Dear Friends,

I am delighted to invite you to the 8th Ajax Mayor’s Gala, “Where the Stars Meet the Sea,” taking place on Saturday, June 6, 2026. This year’s celebration is especially meaningful, as it will be the last gala I have the privilege of hosting. It has truly been an honour to bring together the many sponsors, community champions and volunteers who share a passion for strengthening and supporting Ajax.

Immediately after becoming Mayor in 2018, I wanted to create a fundraising event to support our growing community and engage like-minded partners. Since our inaugural event in 2019, the Ajax Mayor’s Gala has raised more than $1.7 million net to care for our community, thanks to the support of our sponsors. Your generosity and commitment continue
to inspire me year after year.

We are proud to welcome back the Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation (APHF) as our Charity of Choice for 2025 and 2026. For over six decades, Ajax Pickering Hospital has stood as a cornerstone of health in our community, and APHF works tirelessly to ensure that this legacy of care continues. Their efforts help fund essential equipment and innovations not only at Ajax Pickering Hospital, but also at Lakeridge Gardens Long-Term Care Home and the Jerry Coughlan Health & Wellness Centre. Funds raised through the Gala in 2025 and 2026 will support the purchase of multiple Automatic Drug Dispensing Units for the hospital’s surgical and medical units. These advanced systems improve accuracy and safety in
medication administration, reduce the risk of adverse drug events, and enhance patient outcomes—benefiting every individual who receives care at the hospital. In addition, a portion of the funds raised will continue to support other charitable organizations and not-for-profit groups dedicated to enriching and uplifting our community.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the visit of the 8th HMS Ajax frigate to our town. Our town was named after the original Royal Navy ship, a legacy that anchored our identity in a story of resilience and resolve. I am honoured to welcome members of the HMS Ajax & River Plate Veterans Association as special guests at the gala, and I respectfully ask for your consideration in sponsoring a seat for these distinguished guests.

Thank you for joining us once again. I look forward to celebrating with you as we set sail on another unforgettable journey — where the stars meet the sea.

Mayor Shaun Collier