Every January, you can find Trevor and Kyle Doyle at Vancouver’s Butcher and Bullock pub. But it’s not just two brothers catching up over their favourite craft beer. Along with their friends and family, they host their annual Wildcard Weekend fundraiser in memory of their father, Gordon Doyle, who received incredible care at the VGH Intensive Care Unit when he underwent a double lung transplant in 2014. He recovered at GF Strong Rehab Centre and lived for another two years before passing away in 2016. The annual event is held to give back and show appreciation to the numerous health care professionals and the organ donor who gave their family a few extra years with Gordon.

As an independent community event for VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, funds raised through the Wildcard Weekend event go directly to the Foundation. Friends, family, even strangers drop by and join in, catching the NFL wildcard games, bidding on silent auction items, participating in 50/50 draws and other fundraising activities throughout the night. The money raised from the Wildcard Weekend is distributed to various projects and causes that have a profound impact on patients and their families.

Their father, Gordon, was so proud of them when he heard that they had raised over $15,000 for the Intensive Care Unit in 2014. Over the last two years, Trevor and Kyle, with the support of their family, friends and community, raised over $30,000 to purchase a ventilator. This past January, shortly after the passing of their father, the Wildcard Weekend raised an additional $15,000 for the Solid Organ Transplant Unit.

“Our father always said to never forget the people who help you get to where you are in this world,” says Trevor. “Fundraising for VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation gives us focus in thanking those who gave us so much, a debt that will never be fully repaid.”

The brothers aspire to raise $50,000 this year with the continued support of family, friends and the community.

For more information on hosting a fundraising event, visit vghfoundation.ca/events/plan-an-event