Michael Bublé, Michael J. Fox and more help Burnaby Hospital Foundation raise over $400,000 in support of hospital redevelopment
A total of more than $400,000 was raised on Friday night at Burnaby Hospital Foundation’s A Gala Reimagined, an online show in support of the organization’s Proud History, Bright Future campaign to raise funds for the redevelopment of Burnaby Hospital.
The virtual gala, presented by the Burnaby Firefighters Charitable Society, was hosted by Global BC personality, Sophie Lui, and featured special guest appearances by Burnaby-raised superstars Michael Bublé and Michael J. Fox.
Bublé, who still resides in Burnaby, noted he was born at Burnaby Hospital. Fox, in his remarks, reminisced about his time growing up in the city, and his many occasions to visit the hospital, mostly for hockey-related concussions and stiches. He also spoke about his past involvement working with the late Dr. Kenneth Hill to bring a CAT scan to facility.
Other special appearances throughout the evening included two-time World Champion of Magic Shawn Farquhar, and Mayor Mike Hurley. Speaking to the need for redevelopment was Emergency Department Physician, Dr. Neil Long; campaign fundraising Chair and supporter, William McCarthy; and Ryan Beedie, whose mother Betty and family donated $8 million to the project last February.
“Like so many of our not-for-profit peers doing our collective best to operate safely and effectively during the COVID pandemic, we were forced to make a difficult decision to hold our signature gala event virtually this year,” said Burnaby Hospital Foundation CEO, Kristy James. “But as I have been throughout this whole difficult year, I am overwhelmed by the support and generosity of our community, who made sure our evening was a success. From our sponsors, to our steadfast donors, to some of Canada’s biggest superstars, we clearly have champions behind us who recognize the vital importance of Burnaby Hospital and the absolute need to transform it into a bigger, better, state-of-the-art health care facility to provide quality health care close to home for generations to come.”
In addition to raising money for the redevelopment of Burnaby Hospital, A Gala Reimagined also served as an opportunity for recognition of the foundation’s 2020 Philanthropy Award recipients. Taking home the honours this year was Dr. Nirmal Kang, Peter and Shelley O’Sullivan, Alexander College, and TB Vets Charitable Society.
Anyone who missed the gala, or would like to re-watch, will still be able to view the program over the coming days at bhfoundation.ca/gala_reimagined.
2020 Philanthropy Award Recipients:
Keith and Betty Beedie Leadership in Philanthropy Award
Recipient: Peter and Shelley O’Sullivan
Burnaby Hospital Foundation Corporate Citizenship Award
Recipient: Alexander College
Burnaby Hospital Foundation Dr. Kenneth Hill Spirit of Philanthropy Award
Recipient: TB Vets Charitable Society
Burnaby Hospital Foundation Physician of the Year Award
Recipient: Dr. Nirmal Kang
