A decade of philanthropy
South Asian community raises over $5.4 million
Members of BC’s South Asian community and guests raised $755,000 tonight for BC Children’s Hospital at the 10th anniversary of A Night of Miracles (ANOM) Gala. The fundraising achievement represents a milestone in philanthropic support from the South Asian community, who have helped raise over $5.4 million over the past 10 years through the gala.
This year’s event, co-presented by Fasken and Rogers Communications, was an extraordinary evening of fine dining and dancing, remarkable fundraising and breathtaking entertainment set to a “vintage Bollywood” theme. ANOM was attended by more than 400 philanthropic, business and community leaders, among them, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, the Honorable Janet Austin, OBC, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and Jinny Sims, MLA for Surrey-Panorama, Minister of Citizens’ Services.
Emcee Riaz Meghji of Breakfast Television hosted the evening, which included a performance by the Aditya Bollywood Dance School–founded by Bollywood film director Aditya Sood; while auctioneer Fred Lee encouraged the crowd to give generously during the live auction. A special dinner was created for guests by Vikram Vij of Vij’s Restaurant and Executive Chef Ben Mattman of the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown, which has hosted the gala since its inception.
“This year marks a decade of dedication and support from the South Asian community, who push the boundaries of what’s possible for BC’s kids,” said Teri Nicholas, president and CEO of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.
“We are incredibly grateful to A Night of Miracles cabinet, committee members, sponsors, and countless volunteers for their generosity, and for helping us usher in a new era of care.” — Teri Nicholas, president and CEO of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation
Funds raised will support the Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children Enhancement Initiative. Currently located in East Vancouver, Sunny Hill is the only children’s rehabilitation centre of its kind in the province. Thousands of children and their families come to Sunny Hill each year seeking assessments, diagnoses and rehabilitation for a wide range of conditions affecting their development, from cerebral palsy to autism to stroke rehabilitation. In May 2020, Sunny Hill will relocate to the Oak Street site, making BC Children’s Hospital one of the few pediatric facilities with an acute care centre, research institute, mental health facility and rehabilitation centre all on one campus. The Enhancement Initiative is a $12 million project that aims to create an enhanced healing and rehabilitation environment for Sunny Hill’s unique patient populations, helping them reach their full potential.
“It is a great privilege to bring the South Asian community together in this milestone year to continue to support BC Children’s Hospital and the children and families who rely on the specialized services of Sunny Hill,” said Bob Rai, ANOM chair. “It wouldn’t have been possible without my incredible co-leaders—Founding Chair Robin Dhir and Vice-Chair Manjot Hallen. It’s been my honour to chair the event again this year, and personally witness the positive impact of us coming together to support BC’s kids.”
More information on the Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children Enhancement Initiative can be found at bcchf.ca/sunnyhill.