The collective response to the COVID-19 emergency has been extraordinary, and our health care heroes across the province have been rapidly preparing for a potential surge in cases.

Our actions now are vital – from social distancing to working from home, checking in on family, friends and neighbours, and helping out those who are isolated for their protection — we can all play our part to fight back against the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

“We know it can feel difficult and even scary at times, but remember, we are all in this together,” says Angela Chapman, President & CEO of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. “The decisions and actions we are taking today are saving lives, and our health care partners – our health care heroes – are counting on our support.”

Support our Health Care Heroes
BC’s health care system has been made stronger and more resilient because of your support. Thank you. We are standing by to help our health care workers where needed in the coming weeks and months. We’ve let our hospital leaders know this. And we’ll need your help.

We have opened two new philanthropic funds:

  1. COVID-19 Response Fund — Support our health care teams on the front lines to provide the best possible care.
  2. COVID-19 Research Fund — Support our researchers as they mobilize with others from around the world to treat and cure COVID-19.

As always, your donation will be fully tax receiptable.

While we are all changing our daily lives due to COVID-19, we are going to continue to do our work to support our vital health care teams, with your continued support.

For information on how to donate medical supplies to Vancouver Coastal Health, please visit their info page: http://www.vch.ca/get-involved/donate

Foundation Office Closure
As of Tuesday, March 17 the Foundation office has been closed to the public. We are continuing to operate remotely and are maintaining a small staff team on site.

While our physical location is closed until further notice, you can still contact us to provide support. And, now more than ever, we are working closely with our partner Vancouver Coastal Health to ensure donor funds are available to support current priority areas.

  • Email us at info@vghfoundation.ca and we will respond back to you as soon as possible.
  • Call us at 604-875-4676, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
  • Many inquiries can also be answered via our website at vghfoundation.ca.

Events cancelled until end of April
We have cancelled all VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation-led events until the end of April 2020. For events in May and beyond, we are monitoring the situation and will update you as further plans are made.

Our number one priority is the health and safety of our supporters, donors, volunteers, staff and health care partners. Given the official COVID-19 response in BC, we are following the advice of our health care leaders and medical experts to help slow down the spread of this disease, including the restriction of public gatherings.

Take care of yourself, your loved ones and neighbours
Here are some things you can do to support the well-being of yourself and others during this time:

  • Stay connected with loved ones and continue to maintain healthy relationships.
  • Reach out to friends and neighbours – particularly those who may be staying indoors – we all need to support each other, and some may need help to get groceries and medication.
  • Stay up-to-date with the latest news and listen to the health care experts at Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH).

From all of us here at VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, stay safe, stay healthy, and we will all get through this.