BURNABY Hospital Foundation hosted its inaugural Dragon Gala, raising over $100,000, while also celebrating the outstanding success of its Chinese Ambassador Society.
The Foundation announced that, in the past five years, the Society has helped raise over $3.3 million towards the Bright Future redevelopment that will completely transform the aging Burnaby Hospital.
The Dragon Gala, presented by Create Properties, brought together hospital supporters, philanthropists, and community leaders on June 2 for an unforgettable evening of giving and celebration. The event was emceed by TV and radio personality, Mary Lo, and featured performances by CLF Kung Fu Club, Tony Music School, and Colours of Dance Academy. The Dragon Gala also served as an opportunity to recognize the 5th anniversary of the Foundation’s Chinese Ambassador Society.
“The generosity of our Chinese community, aided by the dedication of our Chinese Ambassador Society, is truly inspiring,” said Kristy James, Burnaby Hospital Foundation President and CEO.
“Collectively, organizations and individuals have contributed so much towards a cause that they deeply value: a healthy community.”
Receiving awards recognizing their dedication and remarkable impact on the Foundation were:
* Canadian Community Service Association for their Chinese Cultural Heritage Festival
* LaPower Running Club for their Burnaby Lake Run
* North America Artist Association for their Burnaby Spring Festival Gala
* Shuang Music School for their Melody of Love Charity Fundraiser
* Young Elite Vancouver Business Association for their Young Elite Golf Charity Tournament
The Foundation launched their Proud History, Bright Future campaign in February 2020 and reached their Phase One milestone of $30 million in November 2022. Significant contributions were attained with the support of the Chinese Ambassador Society, including a $1 million gift from Alexander College and a $500,000 gift from Create Properties. These leadership gifts have helped inspire others to contribute through a number of individual donations and community events.
“Even before the start of the Foundation’s redevelopment campaign, the Chinese community recognized the need for upgrades to Burnaby Hospital,” said Leaf Alifu, Chair of the Foundation’s Chinese Ambassador Society. “It is my privilege as Chair to see the community come together to give generously to support the much-needed upgrades in Burnaby Hospital. The transformation of our hospital will have a lasting impact on the health of our community now and in the future, and I’m proud to play a part in this campaign.”
With no major renovations in the last 50 years, Burnaby Hospital has reached its capacity. The hospital is one of the busiest in the Fraser Health Authority region, seeing approximately 200,000 patients a year, including 83,000 visits to the Emergency Department. Facilities that were constructed to serve a small community now support a growing and aging population of 500,000 people in Burnaby, East Vancouver, and the surrounding areas.
Construction of the first phase of redevelopment, which will upgrade and modernize emergency care, surgery services, maternity and mental health at the hospital, is set to be completed as soon as 2025. When the entire project is finished, the transformation the hospital will have almost 50% more beds and include expanded medical services.
