GALLERY: MOMENTS WITH OUR GENEROUS FRIENDS, CONTRIBUTORS AND SUPPORTERS

When The Pro Bono Group reached out to journalist Lisa Laflamme, she was quick to step up and stand up for Canadian jobs and Canadian businesses.  Lisa shared her perspective in her new PRO CANADA PROJECT PSA, saying, "As a reporter, I've seen the world.  And it's always made me realize how lucky I am to be Canadian.  That's why whenever possible, my shopping list is a CANADIAN  shopping list."  Listen for Lisa's personal message now on radio and in podcasts across the country.

"There's nowhere that makes me happier than Canada.  We're the envy of the wrold, and we need to protect this precious place."  

-Juno award-winning singer-songwriter Ian Thomas and a direct quote from his brand new PRO CANADA PROJECT message.  Rolling out to radio and podcasters on August 21, 2025.

Toronto born singer-songwriter Dan Hill has won 5 Junos and a Grammy; he has written songs for Celine Dion, Reba McEntire, Backstreet Boys, and George Benson, and he was recently inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.  So, having him join the PRO CANADA PROJECT was a feather in our cap.  Listen for his special message to Canadians in September, 2025.  Thank you, Dan.  And best of luck as you go back on the road with Andy Kim this fall.

The Pro Bono Group welcomes Hockey Night in Canada's CHRIS CUTHBERT to The PRO CANADA PROJECT.  Chris joined us at difuze studios in Toronto to record his "Buy Canadian" message.  In Chris's words, "It's my duty to be impartial, but I have no trouble taking sides for Canada- when it means protecting Canadian jobs and supporting Canadian businesses."  One of the great pleasures of this project has been discovering how many famous Canadians are also famously wonderful people.  

We recorded a special 2025 Canada Day message for The Pro Bono Group's PRO CANADA PROJECT.  In it, Canadian actress Ruth Marshall (Flashpoint, Degrassi: The Next Generation, Doc) speaks on behalf of all of us, expressing our love of Canada and our fellow Canadians, and reaffirming our collective commitment to saving Canadian jobs and protecting Canadian businesses. Click the photo to hear Ruth's Canada Day message.

In addition, Ruth also voiced a new PRO RADIO PSA that is currently airing.

THE PRO CANADA PROJECT:

As of Canada Day, 2025, these proud Canadians have stepped forward to help protect Canadian workers, Canadian jobs and our Canadian way of life.  "Shop as if your country depends on it."

This miniature chalkboard sign that sits on the coffee bar at difuze studios on John Street in Toronto is a reminder to union actors that there is paperwork to complete before leaving.  But to The Pro Bono Group, it's a reminder of how important the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists is to us.  ACTRA continues to support many of our causes by waving ALL union fees normally association with a national radio ad campaign.  And we are indebted to them for their generosity.

A five-time JUNO Award winner, Liona Boyd has performed for heads of state, recorded over 30 albums (including many Gold and Platinum), and received numerous honours, including the Order of Canada.  And in June 2025, Liona was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in Toronto. Congratulations Liona! And thanks for lending your voice to the PRO CANADA PROJECT.

We managed to corral the great Kathy Greenwood into The Coach House to lend her voice to a new spot for our Pro Radio Campaign.  "Better Weather" hit radio stations across the country in March 2025. 

Try to catch Kathy live on stage as part of "Women Fully Clothed: Older and Hotter".  Hilarious.

Paul Miller is no stranger to The Pro Bono Group, having voiced award-winning PSAs for the Canadian Red Cross.  He is perhaps best known for playing Connor Doyle on the TV series "Psi Factor", and for his work on "Due South", "Good Witch" and "Suits".  He's a veteran Stratford Festival stage actor too.  Listen for Paul on the Feed Ontario PSA titled "Dimes".  Or just click the photo above to listen in.  Paul's with The Pro Bono Group's Mike Occomore (L).

Paul Miller in the soundproof booth at Wanted!, with ace producer Jeff Styga.

That's The Pro Bono Group's Mike Tennant, prayerfully directing radio PSAs back in 2014 at Wanted! Sound for THEMUSEUM in Kitchener and their exhibit "The Science of Sexuality".  Check out all three PSAs in our archives. Or just click on the photo above.

In late 2024, we recorded with these two wonderful actors, Kiff VandenHeuvel (left) and Ben Turner Dixon, on a pair of new PSAs for the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness.  Kiff's film credits include Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Nightcrawler and La La Land.

Ben has worked on countless feature films, animated projects and video games- and has the keen ability to voice-match for actors like Ryan Reynolds, Michael Fassbender and Brad Pitt, when producers are in a pinch.

Bob Bainborough, centre, is an actor/comedian perhaps best known for playing the role of Dalton Humphrey in the comedy series The Red Green Show, and his appearances on History Bites.  He was nominated for a Gemini Award in both series. 

This is not the first time Bob has helped out The Pro Bono Group.  He appeared in our Amnesty International PSA titled "Torture" over 20 years ago.  In September 2024, Bob drove two and a half hours just to record his lines and be part of our "Pro Radio Project".

Our 2023 award-winning PSA campaign for Canadian Food Banks would not have been possible without the wonderful performances by these six individuals.  Clockwise from top left:  Dominic Catrambone, Nicole Balick-Karrer, Elenna Stauiffer, Lindsey Alena, Marie Westbrook and Zac Fine.  You can listen to their powerful work in our archives.  Look for "Pretend", "For Anyone", "Heart" and "Not Retail".  Special thank you to Jason Marks Talent Management.

Former Toronto and Vancouver radio personality turned voiceover pro Kat Carter (aka 'The Radio Nerd'), shared her personal struggle with food insecurity in a Food Bank PSA created with The Pro Bono Group and launched nationally in early 2024.  Click the photo above and listen to "Help You".

In case anyone's wondering if a radio commercial is done in one easy take.

Beginnings for The Pro Bono Group: 

Telling radio stories at the Kit Kat restaurant on King Street West in Toronto back around 2000.  A great little eatery, sometimes overshadowed by the 70-year old tree growing right smack in the middle of the seating area, and stretching up through the roof!  

Sadly, both the restaurant and the tree are no longer.
L to R: Larry MacInnis, Mike Tennant, Mike Occomore, Terry O'Reilly

The Pro Bono Group's Creative Director, Larry MacInnis waiting in the Green Room at The Coach House studio for the talent to arrive and the fun to begin.  Or, maybe he's just praying that he didn't get the date messed up.

We couldn't wait to have her back. Toronto actress Kristina Nicoll's second visit to the recording studio to voice a pair of PSAs for Feed Ontario.  Kristina is passionate about this important cause and was quick to help out again.  She's with The Pro Bono Group's Creative Director, Larry MacInnis, left, and Executive Producer/Writer Mike Occomore.

The 'just printed', unspoiled script on the music stand is ready for the voice talent to arrive.  Well, unspoiled until the Creative Director sharpens his pencil and the "Record" light goes on.