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Festival of Colours raises record $400,000 for Osler’s three hospitals

May 17, 2017   ·   0 Comments

The William Osler Health System Foundation celebrated its fourth annual Holi Gala recently, presented by International Freight Systems (IFS) at Pearson Convention Center.
“We’re incredibly proud of our community’s support of our hospitals and we’re very grateful to International Freight Systems for presenting this year’s Holi Gala,” said Foundation President and CEO Ken Mayhew. “It’s wonderful to see the community maintain such incredible momentum and make a contribution that will have an immediate impact to the patients we serve each day.”
The sold-out event, attended by more than 850 guests, helped raise funds to support vital programs and services at Etobicoke General Hospital, Brampton Civic Hospital and the new Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness.
“Our partnership with Osler Foundation is a source of great pride and I commend Osler for the important work it undertakes to meet the health care needs of the people in this region,” said Paul Bhullar, CEO of IFS. “Our support of the Holi Gala will help increase access to exceptional health care and strengthen the places where we live and work.”
Guests were treated to live entertainment over the course of the evening that included a performance by Punjabi singing sensation, Manak-E, known for his smash hits, Time Naal and Paisa. The stunning dance performance by Shiamak Davar troop had the audience spellbound and was followed by dancing to the latest Bollywood hits with DJ Jiten, who had everyone up on their feet.
Several dignitaries were in attendance including Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader Patrick Brown, Brampton Mayor Linda Jeffrey and other MPPs and municipal politicians.
Guests celebrated in colourful style, enjoying gourmet foods, as well as an array of entertainment and fun in celebration of the renewal of springtime. The top raffle prizes included business class tickets to India courtesy of Air Canada and a one-year lease on a 2017 Mercedes Benz CLA250 4MATIC Coupe — donated by Mercedes Benz Brampton.
After dinner, guests were inspired by Osler Emergency Physician, Dr. Gurjit Bajwa’s story of extraordinary care provided by Osler’s Global Health team during last year’s historic trip to Punjab.
“The Global Health Program was and is wholly funded by generous donations from the community,” Bajwa said. “There are clear, tangible outcomes of the Global Health trip that will benefit patients from our two very different yet deeply connected continents — from the sharing of resources to joint educational and research collaborations that will enhance patient care in the areas of emergency medicine, mental health and addictions.”
Launched in June 2014, the Global Health Program is the only one of its kind at a community hospital in Ontario and is part of Osler’s philosophy to “go beyond” its borders and contribute and learn on a global scale.
In response to Osler Foundation’s “Transform health care, here and back home” request in support of Osler’s 2017 Global Health Initiative, every gift was acknowledged with applause from the enthusiastic crowd. When the event was over, an astounding $400,000 was raised, setting a new record for the Holi Gala.
The funds raised will be used to positively influence health care delivery abroad while learning innovative new ways to improve care and better meet the needs of its own community in Brampton and Etobicoke.
Osler’s Holi Gala — The Festival of Colours was presented by IFS (presenting sponsor), TD Bank (diamond sponsor), BMO, CIBC, In n Out Car Wash, Maple Lodge Farms, Nanda and Associates Lawyers, RBC and Scotiabank. Rogers Television lent support to the event’s media needs. The event was also supported by a number of generous sponsors, including table sponsors, tickets purchasers, cash donors, gift-in-kind donors, silent auction donors and bidders.
To make a donation to William Osler Health System Foundation or to see photos from Holi Gala, visit www.oslerfoundation.org

         

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