Trading boardrooms for bright lights, four pillars of Toronto’s business community took to the stage in support of Breakthrough T1D Canada.
On October 23, 2025, four of Canada’s top business leaders took to the stage in downtown Toronto, ON in support of Breakthrough T1D Canada to help accelerate breakthroughs in type 1 diabetes (T1D) research.
They raised more than $4.4 million, breaking the event’s fundraising record! Humour Me is an iconic comedy fundraiser that has generated over $25 million for worthy causes over the past 15 years. Organized by the David Goodman Youth Community Trust and, in 2025, presented by Brookfield, Humour Me applies a twist to the typical stand-up routine by bringing together professional comedians and influential, high-profile amateurs to perform together.
Ugo Bizzarri, Managing Partner & CEO: Hazelview Investments, Brad Dunkley, Co-Founder & CIO: Waratah Capital Advisors Ltd, Andrew Oliver, President & CEO: Oliver & Bonacini (O&B) Hospitality and Lori Pearson, Vice Chair: Brookfield Corporation delivered original stand-up comedy routines while vying for the title of “Funniest Amateur”, to raise critical funds to support Breakthrough T1D’s $100M Campaign to Accelerate.
Congratulations to Brad Dunkley for being awarded the title of funniest amateur, receiving the coveted Baba Mary trophy – named after event founder David Goodman’s funny grandmother.
Joining them was headliner Jeremy Hotz. One of the most unique stand-up comics working today, Canadian-born Jeremy Hotz is a proven international success. With sold-out Canadian tours, as well as performances all over the U.S., Europe and Australia, Jeremy continues to grab audiences with his completely original and confused, yet very astute, observational comedy.
“We’re so grateful to our comedians, and to David Goodman for their support of the T1D community,” says Jessica Diniz, President and CEO of Breakthrough T1D Canada. “Ugo, Brad, Andrew and Lori are leaders in every sense, and their bravery to step out of their comfort zones also demonstrates their incredible commitment to accelerating the most promising research into cures for T1D.”
T1D is a chronic autoimmune disease that impacts almost 300,000 Canadians. People with T1D must administer insulin daily in order to stay alive. And even with careful management, there is the risk of long-term complications like kidney failure, blindness, amputation or even death.
“Humour Me remains focused on raising funds to support organizations like Breakthrough T1D Canada that provide vital services to Canadians. Over the years we have raised close to $29 million for some incredible non-profit organizations and community groups who make a real difference.
We are thrilled to be able to help Canadians living with T1D and advance critical research that will get us closer to a cure. I thank our volunteers, comedians, coaches and judges for their time and efforts for what will be an evening filled with fun, laughter and friends while supporting this great cause. And a special thank you to our brave contestants who stepped out of their comfort zone and set a fundraising record for this event,” says David Goodman, founder and CEO of Humour Me.
“My daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes more than 20 years ago. There are no days off from diabetes, and the constant management and complications will never go away until there is a cure. If my attempt at a stand-up routine can help bring that day a little bit closer somehow, then I will step out of my comfort zone, because there is nothing comfortable about T1D. I am honoured that Brookfield, my employer, continues to support my involvement in Breakthrough T1D and is sponsoring the evening,” says Lori Pearson.
“I actually love humour and comedy. One of the reasons I did this is that I want to be an example to my friends and family, showing them that it can be fun to do something challenging and scary, especially when it brings people together and supports a good cause,” says Brad Dunkley.
“When Jenn asked me to do this, I couldn’t say no. Trust me, I tried. I’m so appreciative of the many colleagues and friends who have been so incredibly generous. The research is moving quickly—so different from when I first knew Jenn 30 years ago, and a cure seemed impossible. I definitely don’t have a future in comedy, but this is an investment in the future for Jenn and so many others,” says Ugo Bizzari.
“The day my sister Vanessa was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes changed our family’s life forever. It was also the day my dad, Peter, vowed to do everything in his power to help find cures for this 24/7 disease — and he was a man of his word, relentlessly pursuing bold fundraising ideas and raising millions for research over 30+ years. My dad and sister are my inspirations. Though I do not know what it is like to live with diabetes, delivering a comedy routine in front of thousands of people, and fundraising for Breakthrough T1D are two ways I can honour my father’s legacy and help find a cure for my sister,” says Andrew Oliver.
Funds raised from the Humour Me will support Breakthrough T1D Canada’s $100M Campaign to Accelerate, which helps to fund the most promising research into cures and support for programs that improve the lives of those living with the disease today, including access to diabetes technology and mental health services.
A huge thank you again to our sponsors, volunteers, judges, comedians and everyone at Humour Me for putting together a heartwarming evening of inspiration, laughter and community.
