VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation’s Time to Shine gala raises $4.12M in support of health care for all British Columbians

400 philanthropists attended the event raising millions to be used in the most urgent needs of the hospitals and health care centres, servicing all of BC

On June 3, 2023, 400 Chinese-Canadian philanthropists and health care professionals attended the Time to Shine gala co-presented by Peterson and Viva Pharmaceutical Inc. at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel. Attendees raised $4,123,500 million in philanthropic funding in support of the world-leading clinician-scientists at Vancouver General Hospital, UBC Hospital, and several health centres across Vancouver Coastal Health.

These gifts support world-leading physicians, surgeons, and researchers who ensure British Columbians receive the best health care here in Vancouver, when they need it. It helps attract, train and retain the talented teams that will achieve medical breakthroughs and provides the highest standard of care. Philanthropy enables these experts to provide world-class care, saving and improving lives for those who call Vancouver home, and for patients across British Columbia.

“It takes a community to make transformational change possible, and that is what the guests of the Time to Shine gala have made happen,” says Angela Chapman, President and CEO of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation.

“These philanthropists came together in the spirit of benevolence to make our community a better place. Their remarkable generosity is empowering the future of our health care system by investing in the brightest and best talent, which empowers our health care teams today, and transforms the care of tomorrow.”

The $4.12 million raised included remarkable gifts from Peterson, Jason and Emily Ko, Rick & Lauren Ilich, and Johnny Fong; as well as a $1 million donation from Donald and Julia Leung.

Event Facts:

  • The Time to Shine gala co-presented by Peterson and Viva Pharmaceutical Inc. is an in-person event managed by VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation to honour the Chinese-Canadian community and philanthropists who help transform health care in BC through their generous donations and volunteer time.
  • Over the past seven years, the Time to Shine gala has raised over $22.6 million in support of Vancouver Coastal Health to most recently fund the most urgent needs of Vancouver General Hospital, UBC Hospital, and several health care centres.
  • 2023 is the seventh annual Time to Shine gala.
  • Emcees: Lisa Wu (Host & Reporter for Phoenix Satellite Television America), Todd Talbot (Love it or List it)
  • Auctioneer: Fred Lee
  • Co-Chairs: Alice Chung, Judy Leung, Echo Wu.

For more information visit vghfoundation.ca/signature-events/time-to-shine-gala/