Over $555K Raised At Sold-Out Event For Equipment & Redevelopment At Local Hospitals
BRAMPTON – The William Osler Health System Foundation (Osler Foundation) on Saturday (April 7) celebrated the arrival of spring with its fifth Annual Holi Gala – The Festival of Colours, presented by Interstate Freight Systems (IFS) at the Pearson Convention Centre in Brampton.
Over $555,000 was raised through the sold-out event, setting a new record for the Holi Gala. The funds raised will be used 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.
“We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support for our hospitals by Holi Gala guests, committee members, corporate sponsors and community leaders,” said Ken Mayhew, President and CEO, Osler Foundation. “The sights, tastes and sounds of this magical event help bring the community together to celebrate and to meaningfully contribute to health care in our community.”
Guests celebrated in vibrant and colourful style, enjoying gourmet food, as well as an array of entertainment, including a stunning dance performance by the Shiamak Davar Dance troop, which had the audience mesmerized. Headlining the evening was Punjabi singing-sensation, the ‘King of Bhangra’, Malkit Singh bringing people to their feet to dance the night away.
Funds raised at this year’s event go to support cardiac care at Osler hospitals. Every year, approximately 2,000 patients benefit from Osler’s outstanding cardiovascular care, serving a community with one of the highest incidence of cardiac arrest in the province. Gaurav Sharma, a cardiac patient at Osler, shared his moving story about the care and treatment he received at Osler after suffering a heart attack at age 39, ultimately saving his life.
“When I was told I had a massive heart attack, my first thought was, ‘How’s that possible? I am too young to have one’”, said Gaurav Sharma. “If it hadn’t been for the wonderful care I received from Osler’s cardiovascular department, I wouldn’t be here today to celebrate my daughter’s fifth birthday. I am forever grateful.”
The Holi Gala was made possible through the generosity of Presenting Sponsor, IFS, along with Rakesh Vijay – Raymond James LTD, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC, RBC, Air Canada, In n Out Car Wash, Fresenius Medical Care Canada, Mentor College, Pfizer, Maritime-Ontario Freight Lines and Janssen, as well as many more including table sponsors, tickets purchasers, cash donors, gift-in-kind donors, silent auction donors and bidders.
“The Holi Gala is an incredible evening showcasing the vibrancy and generous spirit of our community,” said Paul Bhullar, CEO, Interstate Freight Systems. “IFS is a proud supporter of this event and all it does to help the people of Brampton and Etobicoke.”
To make a donation to William Osler Health System Foundation or to see photos from Holi Gala, visit www.oslerfoundation.org.
About William Osler Health System And Osler Foundation: William Osler Health System is a hospital system that 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 builds and fosters relationships in order to raise funds to support William Osler Health System’s capital, education and research priorities at Brampton Civic Hospital, Etobicoke General Hospital and the new Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness.
About Osler Foundation’s Holi Gala – The Festival Of Colours: More than 875 people attended Osler Foundation’s Holi Gala – The Festival of Colours. Part of Osler Foundation’s Signature event line-up, 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.