Together, we raised a record-breaking $84,200 on Giving Tuesday
On December 3, we watched our philanthropic community come together once again to celebrate Giving Tuesday, inspire generosity, and collectively make a difference in our communities. Together, we raised an incredible $84,200 all in one day, to help transform health care in British Columbia.
Bolstered by an incredible matching gift of $25,000 by the Lam Family, your generous donations met and surpassed our goal, breaking last year’s Giving Tuesday record for VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation.
Giving back is such an important act to so many individuals. We are so grateful to our donors, volunteers, talented medical professionals and health care teams. Your support will help ensure the purchase of advanced technology and equipment that will provide the best care possible at our hospitals and health care centres.
The Lam Family have chosen to direct their matching donation towards the Dementia Caregivers Clinic. Learn more about the Brain Breakthroughs campaign and how your donation can make a difference in brain health.
Together, we can save lives and transform health care. Thank You.
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation announces appointment of next President & CEO
Angela Chapman
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is delighted to announce that internal candidate and the Foundation’s current Chief Development Officer, Angela Chapman, has been appointed as the Foundation’s next President & CEO, effective January 1, 2020. The appointment was confirmed by a unanimous vote of the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Vancouver native Angela has over 25 years of fundraising experience, acquired building philanthropic programs right here in Canada, and across the globe in Australia and Singapore. At the National University of Singapore, she led the creation of Asia’s first billion-dollar campaign. Angela joined the Foundation in 2013 as Senior Vice President of Philanthropy and has helped build a diverse and talented team that has implemented a new theme-based fundraising model — more than doubling our annual philanthropic revenues.
Other major achievements under Angela’s strategic leadership — working closely with the Foundation’s philanthropic partner Vancouver Coastal Health and the Foundation staff team — include development of our largest ever $60M Future of Surgery campaign and the evolution of demographically-targeted fundraising. Our Foundation’s current average annual revenue is $100 million, making us one of the top five revenue producing health care foundations in Canada.
Angela says, “I am honoured and thrilled to become the Foundation’s next President & CEO, working with our exceptional staff team and partnering with donors and health care leaders across Vancouver Coastal Health. As our Foundation enters its 5th decade there is much to celebrate as we continue advancing the most specialized care for all British Columbians.”
Smooth transition and looking to the future
Christina Anthony, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, said, “Barbara and Angela will work together until the end of the year, to ensure a smooth transition for staff, volunteers, donors and our VCH partners. The VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation’s Board and staff team all join me in wishing Barbara the very best in her next professional endeavour. We are so grateful for all that has been achieved under her leadership to positively impact health care in British Columbia.”
Grantham said: “Leading VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation has been my deepest honour and privilege. I am delighted to hand the mantle to Angela who I am proud to have worked alongside for the last six years connecting the power of philanthropy with the power of health care innovation.”
Anthony concludes, “As we look to the Foundation’s future, the Board is confident that Angela, alongside all our of donors, supporters, health care partners and friends, will continue our success in philanthropic excellence in pursuit of our vital mission: Inspiring donors. Transforming health care. Saving lives.”
Robert H.N. Ho Stroke Leadership Fund advancing stroke care at VGH
Philanthropist Robert Hung Ngai Ho C.M., O.B.C., pictured here in front of the Robert H.N. Ho Research Centre at Vancouver General Hospital.
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is honoured to announce a $1.4-million gift from long-time philanthropic leader Robert Hung Ngai Ho C.M., O.B.C. The funds will enhance stroke care in B.C. through the establishment of the Robert H.N. Ho Stroke Leadership Fund.
Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) is home to a world-class Stroke Program. This fund will support further investment in stroke leadership and VGH participation in promising clinical trials, building capacity for the future and attracting additional funding through competitive grants. Ultimately, the goal of the Robert H.N. Ho Stroke Leadership Fund is to create a virtuous cycle of quality improvement and innovation that will save the lives of stroke patients from across the province.
In cases of stroke, every second counts. A stroke can strip people of their ability to speak, see, walk, read and write, all in a matter of minutes. Robert Ho knows this firsthand, and understands how vital expert health care is in such moments.
“In 2016, I suffered a stroke. Thanks to the quick action of my wife Greta and B.C.’s stroke intervention protocol, the VGH stroke team were ready to go to work when I reached VGH,” says Robert. “Needless to say, the VGH stroke team and Dr. Yip saved my life, and supported me through my long journey to recovery.”
Robert is supporting Dr. Yip and his team so they can build an even better program across the province, attracting and retaining researchers, nurses and fellows, and enhancing the world-leading expertise available here in Vancouver.
“I hope that by investing in the team’s leadership and people, VGH will further build its program, attract clinical research, and be at the forefront of innovation and clinical care,” says Robert.
Robert is a long-time and prolific philanthropic partner of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation and Vancouver Coastal Health. His generosity has accelerated medical research and innovation at the Robert H.N. Ho Research Centre at VGH and the Greta & Robert H.N. Ho Psychiatry & Education (HOpe) Centre at Lions Gate Hospital. He has also made creative investments in people, including the creation of the Robert H.N. Ho Enhancing Patient Care Fund and the innovative Integrating a Palliative Approach to Care by Having Conversations Early (iPACE) program.
“We have a duty to give back to society, to make our world a better place and care for our community,” says Robert. “I have always applied the teaching of my grandfather and lived by his words; Before you receive, you must learn how to give.”
Barbara Grantham, president and CEO of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, couldn’t agree more.
“Robert is a beacon of philanthropy,” says Barbara. “Because of him, our understanding of challenging diseases has grown, our expertise, knowledge and health care leadership have expanded, and the care we offer to patients near the end of life has been greatly enhanced.”
For his transformational philanthropic work — particularly in support of Canadian health care and universities — Robert was made a Member of the Order of Canada in December 2018. This was preceded by his appointment to the Order of British Columbia in 2013.
“I was surprised, stunned and very honoured when I was told that I was awarded the prestigious Order of Canada,” says Robert. “I am humbled by and grateful for the award, and to represent Chinese traditions here in Canada.”
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is forever grateful to Robert Ho and for his enduring belief in our mission to inspire donors, transform health care and save lives.
Brain aneurysm survivor leaving a legacy for all
Kathy Jenkins with the piano she learned to play as she recovered from brain surgery at VGH.
In 2012, Kathy Jenkins suffered a terrifying burst brain aneurysm. It was quickly determined she needed the kind of complex care only available at VGH, and she was flown out from Vancouver Island to the mainland.
VGH Neurosurgeon Dr. Gary Redekop and his medical team ran a series of brain scans, assessed Kathy’s condition and performed the brain surgery that saved her life.
“If it wasn’t for VGH I wouldn’t be here,” says Kathy. “So when we got home I just thought, We’ve got to get a will drawn up. My husband Scott and I talked and decided we’re leaving our entire estate to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation.”
Kathy and Scott, who don’t have children, want to use their estate to make a positive impact on future generations.
“We have a bunch of nieces and nephews and we could divide everything up amongst them, but we felt we would accomplish a lot more by doing it this way,” says Kathy. “It just made perfect sense to give back, and I don’t just mean to the hospital, I mean to everybody who’s out there.”
For Kathy and Scott, leaving a legacy was as simple as drafting a will and notifying VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation of their intent.
“This is our legacy,” says Kathy. “To know that our estate will be used to help people in need is the greatest gift of all.”
Join donors like Kathy and Scott by leaving a gift in your will to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation and help make a difference for patients, today and into the future. Learn more.
Barbara Grantham receives 2019 AFP Lifetime Achievement Award
Barbara Grantham, President & CEO of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, is the 2019 recipient of the AFP Lifetime Achievement Award.
Barbara has worked for nearly 30 years in the non-profit sector including the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, Vancouver Foundation, and the Streetohome Foundation. Over the last seven years, Barbara has led VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation in an organizational re-brand, building a talented and engaged staff team, and realizing an 84 per cent increase in revenue.
Barbara oversaw the completion of the campaign for the Joseph & Rosalie Segal & Family Health Centre to care for people with mental health challenges, and the launch of the Future of Surgery campaign to transform surgical facilities at VGH and UBC Hospital.
“I feel proud and honoured to call my life’s work about finding those magic moments of giving people every day the chance to show up as their very best selves,” says Barbara.
Barbara joins an outstanding group of individuals and families across Canada who have been honoured with this award, including Shannon von Kaldenberg, Cathy Daminato, and Faye Wightman, all of whom have had an enormous impact on philanthropy in BC and Canada.
“When I look back on my seven years at VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, I’m taking away amazing memories and a wonderful sense of accomplishment,” says Barbara.
The AFP Giving Hearts Awards is an annual program created to acknowledge the true expression of philanthropy. These awards honour individuals, families, corporations and small businesses who have shown exceptional commitment to civic and charitable responsibility.
From all of us at VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, congratulations Barbara. Your commitment to philanthropy and your passion for helping others has been vital in inspiring donors, transforming health care and saving lives.
A tradition of giving: BC’s Ismaili Muslim community awarded for leadership in philanthropy
L to R: Barbara Grantham, President and CEO, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation; Samira Alibhai, former president of the Ismaili Council for BC; Ameerally Kassim-Lakha, President, Aga Khan Council for Canada; Samir Manji, President, Ismaili Council for BC; Christina Anthony, Chair, Board of Directors, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation and VP, Odlum Brown Limited.
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is proud to announce the Ismaili Muslim Community of BC as the recipients of the 2019 Leadership Award for their work in support of mental health initiatives, and their philanthropic commitment to the broader community. This Award was presented on October 26 at the 2019 TELUS Night of a Thousand Stars gala presented by Capital Direct.
The Muslim community adheres to a tradition of giving; giving one’s time, talents and material resources to enhance the community around them.
Through this spirit of generosity, the Ismaili community raised millions of dollars in support of local community organizations, inspired a new generation of philanthropists, and continues to raise the bar for community-led initiatives.
“One has to think not about just one’s own self-interest, but really the interest of others,” says Samir Manji, President of the Ismaili Council for BC. “I think His Highness the Aga Khan put it best when he said The question is not only what have I achieved, but what is it that I have helped others achieve?”
This notion of selflessness and working to better the world around them is paramount to the values which the community lives by.
“The community truly embodies what it means to be engaged citizens,” says Barbara Grantham, President and CEO of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. “Our Foundation is profoundly grateful to the Ismaili Muslim Community of BC for their generosity and leadership. Through their years of continuing charitable endeavours, they have enriched thousands of lives in BC.”
Wherever the Ismaili community has resided, it has endeavoured to give back in to improve the quality of all citizens, and to leave the world a better place.
This active volunteerism includes hosting their own community events such as the Ismaili Walk which began in 1992. It raised more than $5 million for local charities in BC with mandates that include young people, homelessness, environmental and health causes. In 2015 and 2016, the Walk raised over $550,000 for VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation to improve mental health care and support the Joseph & Rosalie Segal Family Health Centre at Vancouver General Hospital.
“For Canada’s 150th anniversary, the Ismaili Community wanted to give a gift to Canada,” says Alim Dhanani, a youth volunteer. “The gift was donating one million hours of service to Canada, and we were so excited that we were able to actually volunteer over one and a half million hours, 200,000 of which were in BC.”
Dr. JJ Sidhu, Medical Director of Psychiatry – Vancouver Acute, Tertiary, & Urgent Services, says, “The Ismaili community has made a significant impact for clients and patients using mental health services at Vancouver Coastal Health. This has been through advocacy, education and role-modeling in terms of developing initiatives like the Ismaili Walk.”
“As citizens, it is our responsibility to help grow and build the province and country we live in”, says Samira Alibhai, former President of the Ismaili Council for BC.
“This has been our chance to say thank you for accepting us, for welcoming us and for helping us become successful,” says Samira. “For us to be a part of the Joseph & Rosalie Segal Family Health Centre where families can come with their loved ones and have them heal and taken care of together… how can we not be a part of this?”
“VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is profoundly grateful to the Ismaili Community and is proud to continue to work together to inspire donors, transform health care and save lives. Thank you, and congratulations to the Ismaili Muslim Community of BC for your lifetime of giving,” says Barbara. “You are most deserving of our 2019 Leadership Award.”
Night of a Thousand Stars gala raises vital funds for Brain Breakthroughs in BC
Vancouver, BC – VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation’s 2019 TELUS Night of a Thousand Stars gala presented by Capital Direct was an outstanding success, raising $3.8 million and counting to support the Foundation’s new Brain Breakthroughs campaign and the most urgent needs of Vancouver Coastal Health’s hospitals, research facilities and health care centres.
The evening marked the launch of the Foundation’s Brain Breakthroughs campaign. During the evening grateful patient and gala ambassador Emily Chan shared her incredible journey of surviving a rare brain disorder thanks to the expert medical team at VGH.
Proceeds from the gala will be put towards advancing vital research on brain health issues such as traumatic brain injuries, Alzheimer’s, stroke, Parkinson’s and more. The campaign will support the best and brightest brain experts who are providing world-leading care today and researching the treatments of tomorrow. In addition, it will bring to BC state-of-the-art medical equipment to provide the best care when and where it’s needed.
“We are continually humbled by the philanthropic generosity of Vancouver’s community leaders,” says Barbara Grantham, President & CEO of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. “This year, the Tsang family stepped forward with a $1.3 million gift, to support the purchase of VGH’s first 3T MRI machine. This new machine will lead to faster, more accurate diagnosis, and ultimately provide patients and families across BC with time. Time that saves lives. Time with the people we love.”
One in three Canadians will suffer from a brain injury or disease in their lifetime, and BC’s population is aging. This province is facing an increasing demand for capacity to care for disorders of the brain. VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation’s Brain Breakthroughs campaign goal is to raise $35 million for people and care, technology and research. The funds will provide immediate support for clinicians and scientists who are providing the best care today and working on the treatments of tomorrow.
“Investment in health care is an investment in all of our futures,” says Barbara. “Thank you to our wonderful donors who made this event one of the most successful in all of our years.”
About VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is Vancouver Coastal Health‘s primary philanthropic partner, raising funds for specialized adult health services and research for all British Columbians. We partner with donors to drive innovation and sustainable health care at VGH, UBC Hospital, GF Strong Rehab Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, and Vancouver Community Health Services.
-30-
Contact: Sam Smith
Officer, Marketing & Communications
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation
Email: sam.smith@old.vghfoundation.ca
Phone: 604-875-4676 ex. 69680
Emily’s Story
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation announces appointment of next President & CEO
Angela Chapman
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is delighted to announce that internal candidate and the Foundation’s current Chief Development Officer, Angela Chapman, has been appointed as the Foundation’s next President & CEO, effective January 1, 2020. The appointment was confirmed by a unanimous vote of the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Vancouver native Angela has over 25 years of fundraising experience, acquired building philanthropic programs right here in Canada, and across the globe in Australia and Singapore. At the National University of Singapore, she led the creation of Asia’s first billion-dollar campaign. Angela joined the Foundation in 2013 as Senior Vice President of Philanthropy and has helped build a diverse and talented team that has implemented a new theme-based fundraising model — more than doubling our annual philanthropic revenues.
Other major achievements under Angela’s strategic leadership — working closely with the Foundation’s philanthropic partner Vancouver Coastal Health and the Foundation staff team — include development of our largest ever $60M Future of Surgery campaign and the evolution of demographically-targeted fundraising. Our Foundation’s current average annual revenue is $100 million, making us one of the top five revenue producing health care foundations in Canada.
Angela says, “I am honoured and thrilled to become the Foundation’s next President & CEO, working with our exceptional staff team and partnering with donors and health care leaders across Vancouver Coastal Health. As our Foundation enters its 5th decade there is much to celebrate as we continue advancing the most specialized care for all British Columbians.”
Smooth transition and looking to the future
Christina Anthony, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, said, “Barbara and Angela will work together until the end of the year, to ensure a smooth transition for staff, volunteers, donors and our VCH partners. The VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation’s Board and staff team all join me in wishing Barbara the very best in her next professional endeavour. We are so grateful for all that has been achieved under her leadership to positively impact health care in British Columbia.”
Grantham said: “Leading VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation has been my deepest honour and privilege. I am delighted to hand the mantle to Angela who I am proud to have worked alongside for the last six years connecting the power of philanthropy with the power of health care innovation.”
Anthony concludes, “As we look to the Foundation’s future, the Board is confident that Angela, alongside all our of donors, supporters, health care partners and friends, will continue our success in philanthropic excellence in pursuit of our vital mission: Inspiring donors. Transforming health care. Saving lives.”
Transforming breast cancer journeys for BC patients
Eleven women are diagnosed with breast cancer in BC every day. It is the most common cancer diagnosis for BC women, and each year 695 women in this province will die from this disease.
The toll it takes on patients, families, friends and loves ones is immeasurable, and they deserve the best care during this difficult time in their lives.
That is why VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is proud to announce the philanthropic support that is stepping up to transform the future of breast cancer care in BC with the appointment of Dr. Kathryn Isaac as the inaugural Dr. Patricia Clugston Chair in Breast Reconstruction Surgery at the University of British Columbia.
“VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is honoured to be supporting VCH clinician Dr. Kathryn Isaac in her appointment to this transformational role, which was only made possible through the power of philanthropy,” says Barbara Grantham, President and CEO of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. “Thousands of women across BC facing breast cancer will directly benefit from her work.”
In her Chair role, Dr. Isaac’s mission is to increase access to breast reconstruction surgery, address health care navigation issues, improve the clinical experience through surgical innovation and ensure consistency of care across the province. The Chair will also develop and enhance partnerships, advocate to government, coordinate training and education, and build an efficient research team.
“I am incredibly proud to champion the betterment of breast cancer care and breast reconstruction in this province,” says Dr. Isaac. “Despite the exceptional comprehensive care available in British Columbia, women diagnosed with breast cancer can be faced with delays to accessing care and struggle to navigate the medical system on their own.”
Breast cancer patients often face the reality of a mastectomy to surgically remove one or both breasts. Approximately 2,000 mastectomies are done annually in BC, with 65% of breast reconstruction surgeries in Vancouver Coastal Health being performed at UBC Hospital.
Studies show that emotional, social and functional well-being, vitality, body image and general mental health are improved in women who have breast reconstruction surgery after their mastectomy.
The current journey to physical and emotional recovery for women with breast cancer can be a difficult one as in addition to dealing with the disease, they also have to navigate the breast cancer treatment system, which can prove challenging.
The Foundation secured $5 million through philanthropic gifts to support this Chair position. In addition to hundreds of individual donors, the Chair was supported by the BC Cancer Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society (previously the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation), St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, CIBC, and the CURE Foundation.
Dr. Peter Lennox, Head, UBC Division of Plastic Surgery, could not be more pleased with these transformative gifts.
“Philanthropic leadership is launching a new era of cancer care for women and I cannot wait to see how it will shape the future of breast reconstruction in BC and beyond,” says Dr. Lennox.
The Chair is named in memory of Dr. Patricia Clugston, a talented surgeon who passed away at the height of her career. She was a champion for all women facing breast cancer who believed that every mother, wife, sister, grandmother and friend deserved efficient, consistent and coordinated care during their cancer treatment journey.
Dr. Isaac studied medicine and completed her Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery training at the University of Toronto. She subsequently completed a craniofacial fellowship at Boston’s Children Hospital and subspecialized further in breast reconstruction at the Health Sciences Center in Winnipeg. In addition to her surgical training, she completed a Master’s degree in Public Health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. In September 2018, Dr. Isaac moved to Vancouver and has provided her skills for VGH and UBC Hospital ever since.
