Osler Foundation’s Holi Gala nets $320,000 for hospital redevelopment

April 30, 2015 · 0 Comments

The biggest and brightest international South Asian stars of screen and music entertained a crowd of more than 750 enthusiastic guests March 27 during William Osler Health System Foundation’s second annual Holi Gala — Festival of Colours at the Embassy Grand in Brampton.
Traditionally the Holi festival symbolizes the passing of winter and the coming of spring and is one of the most important celebrations on the Indian calendar.
The evening raised $160,000, and was matched by Orlando Corporation’s $15 Million Matching Challenge, resulting in $320,000 being raised for redevelopment initiatives at Osler’s Etobicoke General and the new Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness, as well as equipment needs at Brampton Civic Hospital.
A mesh of stylish contemporary and classical references included in the program provided a memorable extravaganza that dazzled guests with rhythmic sounds, colourful costumes and captivating choreography.
Guests celebrated in colourful style, lining up to meet the talented Master of Ceremonies, actor Rahul Khanna, who provided a warm welcome to a host of notable speakers, performers and visual spectacles, including a special Bhangra performance by Osler Physicians Dr. Henry Conter and Dr. Vishwanath Mahabir.
One of the key highlights of the night was a special guest appearance by actor/writer/producer Vinay Virmani, who introduced award-winning musical performers Manj Musik and Nindy Kaur. The British-Indian Group delighted the audience with a blend of Punjabi, Bollywood and western music. The festivities continued into the night with people of all ages, connecting and celebrating as a community. Wrestling legends and honourary guests Tiger Jeet Singh and his son Tiger Ali Singh, known locally as the The Tigers, were also on hand.
“This event would not be possible without the commitment and dedication of the physicians, staff and community leaders who make up the Holi Gala committee,” said William Osler Health System Foundation President and CEO Ken Mayhew. “Tonight, as we celebrate with our families, we are helping the many other families who will receive exceptional care. Your presence here is literally changing lives.”
“There are a couple of words I have heard a few times tonight whenever someone refers to Osler’s hospitals,” said Foundation Board Chair Kulvir Singh Gill. “They say my hospital or our hospitals because we share a tremendous amount of ownership and pride in our hospitals. In fact, most of the care we receive in our lifetime is from our community hospital — it is where my family goes to, and it is where my kids were born, and these are the hospitals we need to collectively take care of.”
Osler’s Holi Gala — The Festival of Colours was presented by lead entertainment sponsor Ajay Virmani, president of Cargojet, and made possible through the contributions of key businesses and community leaders. Emerald Sponsors included Cable Control, CIBC, RBC and TD Bank. Scotiabank also supported this event as a Sapphire sponsor. The Embassy Grand Convention Centre, Rogers, Asian Connections, Midweek, Gujarat Newsline, Punjabi Press Club, South Asian Live, Hindi Abroad, South Asian Pulse and Road Today lent generous support to the event’s venue and media needs.
To make a donation to William Osler Health System Foundation or to see photos from Holi Gala, visit www.oslerfoundation.org