Indo-Canadian group sets its sights on $1 million raised for Osler

March 8, 2017 · 0 Comments

A local community group is hoping people will open their hearts this Valentine’s Day and participate in a good cause to enhance patient care at Osler’s three hospitals.
Indo-Canadian Friends of Osler (ICFO), a group of local professionals and entrepreneurs from the Indo-Canadian community, have come together to collect $1 million for Brampton Civic, Etobicoke General and the new Peel Memorial hospitals. The group is hosting a fundraising gala this Sunday (Feb. 12) at Brampton’s Pearson Convention Centre, 2638 Steeles Ave. E., with a hope of reaching its target.
Led by Brampton-based entrepreneur Satish Thakkar and his wife Rimple, ICFO was launched in 2014 with a pledge to raise $1 million for the William Osler Health System Foundation.
“More than 50 per cent has already been raised and we are hosting The Butterfly Soiree gala as part of our continuing effort to reach our goal of $1 million to support redevelopment initiatives at Osler’s hospitals,” Thakkar said.
With strong roots in Brampton, Etobicoke and the surrounding area, ICFO believes that volunteerism and philanthropy are the true cornerstones of progress.
“Indo-Canadian Friends of Osler are among a growing group of community leaders joining Osler Foundation in its quest to support our fabulous community hospitals,” said Maureen Sheahan, vice-president of philanthropy with the Foundation. “The Butterfly Soiree speaks to the passion and dedication of a community that cares.”
Throughout the campaign, Thakkar said the community response has been very encouraging and everyone has supported the cause with keen interest.
“We live in a community where it’s our privilege and opportunity to support our infrastructure,” he said. “We are reaching out to businesses and community leaders to open their hearts.”
Health care supporters will be treated to an evening of delicious food and delightful company.
“Titled The Butterfly Soiree, the gala will feature Bollywood music, dance and dazzling entertainment. The funds raised will help replace life-saving equipment at Brampton Civic, as well as build and equip Peel Memorial and a new four-story patient care wing at Etobicoke General,” Amar Bhatia, president and CEO of International Data Systems and member of ICFO commented.
As well, the program seeks 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.
“The donation will also assist an eight-member team from Osler to travel to Punjab, India, where it has started work in partnership with three local hospitals — Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha and Apollo Hospitals,” Avninder Singh, president and CEO of Akal Optical Group, as well as a member of ICFO, said.
For tickets or more information, contact info@thebutterflysoiree.ca or 416-366-6639.