On February 29, the Coast Hotel ballroom at Cascades Casino was transformed into a glamourous South Asian-inspired marketplace and gala for Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation’s second annual Giving Hearts fundraising gala, raising an outstanding $150,000.
Honouring the health needs of our community elders, proceeds will help purchase new specialized wheelchairs and other mobility-enabling equipment urgently needed for use throughout Langley Memorial Hospital and long-term care residences.
Donors at the event, inspired by the cause, stepped forward to fund a total of 20 wheelchairs and 2 walkers so future Langley Memorial Hospital patients would have the chance to stay active while at the hospital. “My mother spent her last days in Langley’s long-term care residence,” shared Manjit Gill, gala committee member and Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation board member. “The joy she received from our visits to the garden for fresh air and connection with the outer world is a priceless memory for me and my family.”
Gill followed a speech at the event with a donation of two much-needed wheelchairs - one in her mother’s honour, and a second in honour of the late Debbie Froese who was a friend of Gill’s and passionate philanthropist.
Over 200 guests attended and were treated to a delicious South Asian-inspired dinner, and live entertainment performances by Langley performer Tiffany Desrosiers and a dance troop from Royal Academy of Bhangra. Guests finished the night by dancing the night away to music from DJ Decibel.
A unique Indian Marketplace provide guests an opportunity to connect with, and purchase products and services from, local South Asian entrepreneurs. Additional funds were raised from over 35 silent auction items, a raffle with a grand prize of a trip for two to any WestJet destination, and five live auction items including a dinner with Langley’s mayors.
“To see everyone enjoying themselves and taking an active role in helping to buy new medical equipment for Langley Memorial was truly inspiring,” says Gill. “It’s an honour to be part of this community. We are so grateful to have such a giving community that invests in local health care improvements.”