Victoria, B.C. — The Victoria Hospitals Foundation’s Visions gala set a record total tonight, raising
$1 million towards the purchase of priority, leading-edge imaging equipment for Royal Jubilee and Victoria General hospitals. Held at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, the event sold out in record time and hosted more than 300 of Victoria’s community leaders and healthcare professionals. The gala raised funds through ticket sales, corporate sponsorships, a bear raffle, Live and Silent auctions, and a pledge drive.

“Every year, Visions helps transform healthcare on Vancouver Island and it’s remarkable to see so many generous people come together for this worthy cause ̶ especially on a night like tonight,” said Darlene Hollstein, Chair of the Visions Steering Committee. “As one of Victoria’s longest-running charity gala fundraisers, Visions has equipped our hospitals with urgently needed tools and technology over the past 29 years. Our whole community benefits from this outstanding generosity.”

Steve McKerrell, Victoria Hospitals Foundation Board Chair, spoke about the impact of fundraising on local healthcare. “We’re proud to say that funds raised in this community stay in this community. Fundraising allows our hospitals to purchase equipment quickly and ensures our healthcare teams stay on the leading edge of medical technology and treatment to provide the best possible patient care. The equipment that will be purchased through Visions and the Foundation’s imaging campaign, The Big Picture, allows our caregivers to see what’s happening, this instant, inside a patient’s body.”

60+ volunteers helped make Visions possible; the majority of which are Island Health employees. It’s their way of giving back to their community.

The Big Picture campaign, which was unveiled at Visions, will continue until it reaches its $4 million goal to fund priority imaging equipment for both hospitals.

Contributions to The Big Picture can be made by donating online at www.victoriahf.ca,
calling 250-519-1750, or mailing a donation to Wilson Block, 1952 Bay Street, Victoria