Victoria Hospitals Foundation 30th Anniversary Visions Gala Raises Record-Breaking $1,577,965 Million for Local Hospitals
Victoria, BC — The return of the Victoria Hospitals Foundation’s signature Visions Gala raised a record-breaking $1,577,965 to support the purchase of a new Automated Chemistry Line for Royal Jubilee Hospital on November 19, 2022. Held at the iconic Fairmont Empress and Victoria Conference Centre for the first time since 2019, this sold-out event hosted community leaders and philanthropists as it marked the Visions Gala’s 30th anniversary.
The Visions Gala celebrated the impact of care teams at Victoria General, Royal Jubilee, and Gorge Road hospitals. The evening included several tributes to hospital teams in recognition of their efforts to serve our communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the lasting impacts of which continue to challenge and strain local hospitals.
“We are touched, humbled, and profoundly grateful for this community who united in support of our local hospitals, care teams, and the patients they so selflessly serve,” says Avery Brohman, Chief Executive Officer, Victoria Hospitals Foundation. “This year’s return of the Visions Gala marked the celebration of its 30th anniversary and an opportunity to connect with a community who has not been together for three years. This was a record-breaking room, with more generosity than we have ever experienced. The impact of this night will truly benefit Vancouver Island patients for years to come.”
The evening’s pledge drive gained momentum with the announcement that local philanthropists Don and Ruth James would generously match all pledges up to $500,000.
Funds raised at the Visions Gala will support the purchase of a new $2.1 million Automated Chemistry Line for Royal Jubilee Hospital (RJH) and other priority needs identified through the Victoria Hospitals Foundation’s Emerge Stronger campaign. Since launching in October 2021, more than 3,700 donors have raised more than $5.74 million towards the campaign’s $10 million goal to fund over 200 pieces of priority equipment, including the Automated Chemistry Line, which is the single most-used piece of equipment across Island Health.
“Receiving timely lab results allows our care teams to address critical results in an expedited manner where minute-by-minute decisions are made. Quicker turnaround times help ensure patients have the best chance at a meaningful recovery and survival,” says Dr. Omar Ahmad, Department Head, Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Island Health. “The Chemistry Line is absolutely crucial to the work we do here in the hospital. An updated Automated Chemistry line will help increase efficiencies and result in an improved care journey for our patients, especially those who come through our Emergency Departments and spend time in our Intensive Care Units.”
Event highlights included a five-course dinner, live entertainment, spectacular silent and live auction packages, raffle, and an after-party. Hosted by CFAX 1070 Radio Host, Al Ferraby, guests heard touching stories from local hospital caregivers and grateful patient Sara, who was given a one per cent chance of survival following a catastrophic brain bleed and beat the odds.
To make a contribution in support of our hospitals or for more information, please visit victoriahf.ca/stronger or call 250-519-1750.
The Victoria Hospitals Foundation’s West Shore gala, Miracle on the Mountain, returns on May 13, 2023. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit MountainGala.ca or call 250-519-1750.
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