GALLERY: MOMENTS WITH OUR GENEROUS FRIENDS, CONTRIBUTORS AND SUPPORTERS
Rick Hanson has signed on to the PRO CANADA PROJECT. The renowned disability advocate, best known as the "Man in Motion" for his legendary 26-month, 34-country, 40-kilometre wheelchair journey around the world, is also the founder of the Rick Hansen Foundation.
The Pro Bono Group is based in Toronto, while Rick is in the Vancouver area, but we managed to record his personal message at WAVE 98.3 FM. Our thanks to the entire Durham Radio team, especially Phil Evans who engineered the session.
Brian Naish, co-owner of Flags Unlimited in Barrie, Ontario, heard Mark Critch's PRO CANADA PROJECT message on the radio. He liked what he heard. So he reached out to The Pro Bono Group to see if there was a way his company could support the campaign. That exchange resulted in Brian gifting complimentary Canadian flags to everyone involved.
"To us, there is nothing more patriotic than a Canadian-made flag, and we hope it serves as a lasting symbol of pride and unity you help inspire."
Released for Fall 2025 airplay, the latest PRO RADIO PSA titled "Ourselves" features Toronto actress Debra McGrath, recipient ofACTRA Toronto's 2025 Award of Excellence; Vancouver's Noel Johansen returns in his recurring role as announcer. Deb is with The Pro Bono Group's Larry MacInnis (L) and Mike Occomore at difuze sound.
What can we say about Toronto actor Paul Miller that hasn't already been said? Paul has become the main voice of our FEED ONTARIO campaign. He joined Larry MacInnis (L) and Mike Occomore in studio in September 2025.
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. Now playing on radio and in podcasts across the country.
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". 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.