April 8, 2019, BRAMPTON – In a dazzling display of colour, song and dance, William Osler Health System Foundation (Osler Foundation) celebrated the arrival of spring and raised vital funds for local hospitals on Saturday night at the sixth annual Holi Gala – The Festival of Colours, at the Pearson Convention Center in
Brampton.
The sold-out event raised more than $600,000 for equipment needs and redevelopment at William Osler Health System’s (Osler) Brampton Civic Hospital, Etobicoke General Hospital and Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness. “Again this year, I am humbled by and grateful for the incredible support from Holi Gala guests, committee
members, corporate sponsors and community leaders,” said Ken Mayhew, President and CEO, Osler Foundation.
“The colour and magic of this event are always so welcome at this time of year, and the funds raised have a meaningful impact on health care in our community.”
Punjabi singing sensation Lakhwinder Wadali entertained the crowd of 900. Guests were also treated to gourmet food and a stunning dance performance by the Shiamak Davar Dance troop.
A portion of the funds raised at this year’s event will support kidney care at Osler hospitals, which is particularly important considering the communities served by Osler hospitals have greater-than-average incidence of kidney disease; approximately 650 patients currently receive dialysis across Osler’s three sites.
“Our dialysis units are among the busiest in the province and for someone awaiting a transplant, dialysis is an ongoing reality.
Dialysis is a major disruption to every part of life, but it also lets patients live life as fully as
possible until a new kidney is available,” said Dr. Bajinder Reen, a kidney specialist at Osler and the mission chair of Holi Gala.
Amanpreet Kaur, who receives dialysis at Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness, created an original painting live at Holi Gala, which was raffled off to raise funds. “We simply could not deliver this life-sustaining treatment without the support of the community, and to have one of our patients give back in such a meaningful way is truly special,” said Dr. Reen.
The Holi Gala was made possible through the generosity of sponsors Rakesh Vijay – Raymond James LTD, TD Bank Group, In N Out Car Wash, Avaal Technology, Axium Plastics, CIBC, Eagle Fleet Services, Fresenius Medical Care Canada, Janssen Canada, Lazeez Shawarma, LiveCare Health Canada Inc., Manulife Bank, Max Pro Management, Mentor College, Pfizer, Scotiabank, and Specialty Rx Solutions, as well as table sponsors, ticket purchasers, cash donors, gift-in-kind donors, silent auction donors and bidders.
To make a donation to William Osler Health System Foundation, please visit oslerfoundation.org
ABOUT WILLIAM OSLER HEALTH SYSTEM and FOUNDATION: William Osler Health System is a hospital system, which includes Brampton Civic Hospital, Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness and Etobicoke General Hospital, and serves 1.3 million residents of Brampton, Etobicoke and surrounding communities within the Central West Local Health Integration Network.
Osler’s emergency departments are among the busiest in Canada and its labour and delivery program is one of the largest in the province. William Osler Health System Foundation seeks to create a healthier community through giving by inspiring its communities to invest in exceptional health care close to home.
ABOUT OSLER FOUNDATION’S HOLI GALA – THE FESTIVAL OF COLOURS: 900 people attended Osler Foundation’s sold-out Holi Gala – The Festival of Colours. Part of Osler Foundation’s Signature event lineup, the gala celebrates the tradition of Holi and festivities that date back to 7th century India.
The event raised funds for redevelopment projects at William Osler Health System’s three sites: Brampton Civic Hospital, Etobicoke General Hospital and the new Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness. Details are online at www.oslerfoundation.org.