Hollyburn Properties founder, Stephen Sander, wants to help as many people as he can. This is truly evident in his $2 million donation to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, which will go toward upgrading the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit at UBC Hospital and support the purchase of a new robot-assisted surgical system at VGH – a provincial referral centre for complex cancer surgeries.

“Hollyburn Properties is very proud to support residents and families across Vancouver with a donation for new medical equipment, which will help provide care to people across all sectors of medicine and have an impact for many people no matter what their illness,” says Sander with a smile, who was also a patient at VGH.

“A new surgical robot is welcomed at VGH, considering the current one is about 10 years old. This minimally invasive technique offers many benefits to patients, including the potential for reduced pain and discomfort and faster recovery times,” notes Dr. Peter Black, Senior Research Scientist, Vancouver Prostate Centre. “Patients experience less pain, require less pain medication and generally speaking are able to recover faster.” The robot will be used for cancer surgeries as well as other non-invasive procedures.

In addition to the new robot, the gift will be used for needed upgrades to the MRI unit at UBC Hospital.

“This generous gift from Hollyburn Properties and Stephen Sander makes the purchase of technologically-advanced equipment that will improve patient care possible,” says Barbara Grantham, President and CEO, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. “Investing in health care innovation benefits all British Columbians.”