South Asian community shows its support for BC Children’s Hospital
Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon and BC Health Minister Terry Lake joined 400 guests October 19 at BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s A Night of Miracles gala, an initiative of the South Asian community. The event at the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown raised more than $369,000 to support the construction of a new BC Children’s Hospital.
“I’m proud that through A Night of Miracles, the South Asian community is making a significant difference in the wellbeing of BC’s children,” said Robin Dhir, the gala’s founding chair. “I believe we have an obligation to help present and future generations of children get the best possible health care and I thank the many people and businesses who have supported this gala.”
A Night of Miracles, the only black-tie gala in BC’s South Asian community, has raised $1.5 million toward the South Asian community’s pledge of $3 million to the hospital foundation’s Campaign for BC Children and, specifically, to support the construction of an interventional radiology room in the new hospital.
“Donors and events like A Night of Miracles are making the construction of a new BC Children’s Hospital possible,” said Teri Nicholas, president and CEO of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. “The generosity of members of the South Asian community shows just how important child health is to everyone in this province.”
Interventional radiology combines the use of different types of imaging equipment and narrow tubes, or catheters, for minimally invasive care. This means children experience less pain, less stress and a faster recovery. Interventional radiology rooms, where children are diagnosed and treated by specialists using digital images to guide procedures, are a critical part of the new Children’s Hospital.
The gala was emceed by Steve Darling of Global BC and co-presented by returning sponsors Fasken Martineau and RBC Royal Bank. Dinner was created by Frank Gort, executive chef of Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel, in collaboration with Vikram Vij of Vij’s Restaurant. The evening featured top talent, live and silent auctions, and dancing alongside an exquisite menu of fine South Asian cuisine.
