Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders made his first public appearance Thursday night since undergoing a kidney transplant back at the beginning of October.
Saunders, accompanied by his wife Stacey, who donated the kidney, were attending the 10th annual Chief's Gala in support of victim services Toronto being held at exhibition place.
The gala has raised $1.5 million over the last nine years.
The Chief appeared in good spirits making sure to thank everyone for their well wishes as he continues to recover from the transplant.
"It's been really fantastic, the support has been just overwhelming and thank you guys for giving us the opportunity to rest and recover."
While no timetable has been set for the Chief's return to office, Saunders tried to lighten the mood in regards to his health as he spoke to reporters.
" Now you'll be able to kick me around in a couple of weeks and it's going to be back to the old drawing board."
Stacey Saunders admits interacting with others that have also undergone donations and transplants, helped ease the physical and emotional pain she and her husband have endured.
" We had other people tell us their stories, their own organ donation stories, their family stories, so that was touching and I want to say thank you that was awesome, got us through."
Among the many attending the sold out gala was Mayor John Tory, happy to see the Police Chief and his wife after a difficult period of healing.
"It's great to see the Chief and Stacey, they're both looking terrific and both feeling fine,we're looking forward to having him back at work soon. So its a story that has a happy ending."
Saunders praised the work of all the staff and volunteers involved with the victim services Toronto program.
"Last year they had over 20,000 cases and I bet nobody in this room knew that because they do it under the radar. There is no bravado in helping people. We do it because it's the right thing to do. Every member of victim service I applaud you for all the work that you do day in and day out."