VICTORIA HOSPITALS FOUNDATION’S VISIONS GALA RAISES A RECORD $800,000 FOR YOU ARE VITAL CAMPAIGN

The Victoria Hospitals Foundation Visions gala set a record total last night, raising $800,000 towards the purchase of 100 pieces of leading-edge equipment for Royal Jubilee and Victoria General hospitals. Held at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, the event hosted more than 270 of Victoria’s community leaders and healthcare professionals, raising funds through ticket sales, corporate sponsorships, a bear Raffle, Live and Silent Auctions, and a Pledge Drive.

“Every year Visions makes a substantial contribution to healthcare on Vancouver Island and it’s heartwarming to see so many generous people come together for a great cause,” said Darlene Hollstein, Chair of the Visions Steering Committee. “Our whole community benefits from the outstanding impact of this event. As Victoria’s longest-running charity fundraiser gala, Visions has raised more than $8.6 million for leading-edge equipment for our hospitals over the past 28 years. It’s a remarkable testament to the generosity of the community we live in.”

Some highlights of the evening include:

  • An exciting Live Auction that included the ultimate hockey package with a trip for two to Montreal to see the Canadiens play with a signed jersey and stick from Carey Price donated by a grateful patient and a ten day rafting adventure along the Tatshenshini River, rated the #1 river trip in the world in National Geographic’s “Journeys of a Lifetime” donated by Nahanni Wild True Wilderness Adventures.
  • A pledge-drive that raised over $113,000 and included gifts that will enable the purchase of three patient monitors.
  • Local businesses contributing to a Silent Auction with over $250,000 in value, which included pieces of aboriginal artwork, luxury travel, dining and spa packages.
  • A sold-out Bear Raffle that gave guests an opportunity to win great prizes and donate their bears back to the pediatric unit at Victoria General Hospital.

Steve McKerrell, Victoria Hospitals Foundation Board Chair, spoke about the impact of fundraising for our local hospitals. “We are proud to say, funds raised in this community stay in this community. Fundraising allows our hospitals’ equipment to be purchased more quickly, and ensures our hospitals’ 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 this campaign, paired with our caregivers’ experience and expertise, allow for the right decisions to be made in the right moment, leading to the best outcomes.”

The You Are Vital campaign will continue through to March 2019 with the Foundation telling the stories of Island Health care teams and the patients they serve.

Contributions 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 BC, V8R 1J8.

To learn more about the campaign and read stories from former patients please visit: www.victoriahf/vital.

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