KidsPlay Foundation stands by its mission as CEO faces criminal charges

KidsPlay Foundation stands by its mission as CEO faces criminal charges

Published 10:12 am Tuesday, September 15, 2026

KidsPlay Foundation says it remains committed to supporting youth through sports camps, educational forums, mentorship and community patrols.

The foundation issued a social media statement after the announcement that its founder and CEO faces criminal charges of fraud and theft of more than $5,000.

“We understand that this situation has prompted thoughtful questions within our community, and we emphasize that the matter is currently before the courts. We respect the judicial process and believe that every allegation should be thoroughly vetted within that framework,” reads the statement. “Our mission transcends any one individual. The KidsPlay Foundation board has always acted with integrity, honesty and devotion to this organization. We are grateful to our passionate volunteers, coaches, and community partners that have provided thousands of children and families with enriching opportunities and experiences.”

Kal Dosanjh was charged on Sept. 3 with four counts of fraud, four counts of theft over $5,000 and breach of trust by a public officer. A spokesperson for the B.C. Prosecution Service said the alleged offences occurred between Dec. 8, 2017 and July 25, 2025 “at or near Vancouver, Surrey, and/or other locations in British Columbia.”

The charges come following a comprehensive two-and-a-half-year covert investigation that found 19 victims had lost a total of $3 million. Vancouver Police confirmed Tuesday (Sept. 15) that they have received more tips about potential victims since the charges were announced.

Police also executed search warrants on Sept. 3 at the charity in Surrey that Dosanjh started, KidsPlay Foundation. Police confirmed that some of the charges relate to KidsPlay, but would not expand further.

Dosanjh founded KidsPlay in 2015, after spending 15 years of his career on patrol in the Downtown Eastside. During that time, he saw many kids from underprivileged backgrounds who were not afforded the same opportunities as kids elsewhere in the city.

Dosanjh wanted this to change and to be a part of that change, so he started running organized sports programs under the police athletic league after work for inner-city kids.

A Surrey resident, Dosanjh wanted to bring what he started in Vancouver to Surrey. With that, KidsPlay was born as a vehicle to help keep kids away from the lifestyle of drugs, gangs and violence.

KidsPlay Foundation has locations across Canada and several around the world, including India, Colombia and Uganda. The organization runs a range of programs, including sports camps, educational forums, mentorship, community patrols, and more.

Dosanjh has won various awards for his work with KidsPlay, including King Charles III Coronation and Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medals.

Although the statement says that the Foundation’s mission “transcends any one individual,” Dosanjh has been its face since it started. He is featured prominently on its website and in media.

Dosanjh has been with the Vancouver Police Department for more than 25 years and has served in many roles, including senior detective constable in the Financial Crimes Unit and most recently in the traffic section.

“As we navigate this situation, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated volunteers, families, and community supporters who stand by us. Your belief in the importance of nurturing safer, stronger communities is invaluable, and we are excited to continue delivering impactful programs that celebrate the spirit of youth,” the statement reads.

Dosanjh has denied any wrongdoing.

In a statement through his lawyer, Joven Narwal, Dosanjh said, “I deny the allegations against me and I look forward to defending myself fully in court. I have complete confidence in my legal counsel and in the Canadian justice system, and I will allow the evidence and the facts to speak for themselves.”

“I have dedicated more than 26 years of my life to serving this community. That work remains deeply important to me, and I intend to continue supporting the community I have served for so many years,” Dosanjh said.

The Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner told the Now-Leader Tuesday (Sept. 15) that the Police Act investigation that the VPD had requested in January 2024 into Dosanjh has been “suspended due to a criminal investigation” and will remain so until the court proceedings are finished.

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