KidsPlay Foundation says its mission continues as CEO faces criminal charges

KidsPlay Foundation says it remains committed to youth sports camps, educational forums, mentorship and community patrols after its founder and CEO, Kal Dosanjh, was charged with fraud, theft over $5,000 and breach of trust by a public officer.

In a social-media statement, the foundation said the matter is before the courts and that all allegations should be thoroughly examined through the judicial process. It said its mission transcends any one individual and thanked volunteers, coaches, community partners, families and supporters, adding that it plans to continue programs aimed at building safer, stronger communities for youth.

Dosanjh was charged Sept. 3 with four counts of fraud, four counts of theft over $5,000 and breach of trust by a public officer. A B.C. Prosecution Service spokesperson 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.

Police say the charges followed a two-and-a-half-year covert investigation that found 19 victims had lost a total of $3 million. Vancouver Police confirmed Sept. 15 that it had received further tips about potential victims since the charges were announced. Police also executed search warrants Sept. 3 at the Surrey charity Dosanjh founded, KidsPlay Foundation. Police confirmed some charges relate to KidsPlay but provided no further details.

Dosanjh has denied wrongdoing. Through his lawyer, Joven Narwal, he said he denies the allegations and looks forward to fully defending himself in court, adding that he has confidence in his legal counsel and the Canadian justice system. He said he has served the community for more than 26 years and intends to continue supporting it.

Dosanjh founded KidsPlay in 2015 after 15 years patrolling Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. He had organized after-work sports programs for inner-city children through the police athletic league and later brought the approach to Surrey, with the stated aim of helping children avoid drugs, gangs and violence. KidsPlay has locations across Canada and in India, Colombia and Uganda.

Dosanjh has worked for the Vancouver Police Department for more than 25 years, including as a senior detective constable in the Financial Crimes Unit and, most recently, in the traffic section. He has received awards for his KidsPlay work, including King Charles III Coronation and Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medals.

The Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner told the Now-Leader on Sept. 15 that a Police Act investigation requested by the VPD in January 2024 has been suspended because of the criminal investigation and will remain suspended until court proceedings conclude.