The Burnaby Hospital Foundation (BHF) has raised over $100,000 through its inaugural Dragon gala to support the redevelopment of the hospital.
Presented by Create Properties in partnership with BHF’s Chinese Ambassador Society, the June 2 fundraiser was held at Delta hotels and Grand Villa Casino in Burnaby as an opportunity to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the society — all in support of the redevelopment of the hospital.
In a news release following the event, the foundation announced that the society has helped raise over $3.3 million towards the Bright Future redevelopment over the past five years.
“The generosity of our Chinese community, aided by the dedication of our Chinese Ambassador Society, is truly inspiring,” said Kristy James, president and CEO of Burnaby Hospital Foundation. “Collectively, organizations and individuals have contributed so much towards a cause that they deeply value: a healthy community.”
With no major renovations in the last 50 years, Burnaby Hospital, one of the busiest in the Fraser Health Authority region, has reached its capacity, with about 200,000 patient visits a year, including 83,000 to the emergency department.
The construction of this first phase of redevelopment will upgrade and modernize emergency care, surgery services, maternity and mental health at the hospital, and is expected to be completed by 2025.
The foundation highlighted that once the project is completed, the transformed hospital will have almost 50 per cent more beds and include expanded medical services.
“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.”
