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Celebrating the 2023 Giving Hearts Awards Winners

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The Association of Fundraising Professional Greater Vancouver chapter gathered yesterday for the 26th anniversary of National Philanthropy Day to acknowledge the Giving Hearts Award nominees and recipients.

The Giving Hearts Awards acknowledge the true expression of philanthropy. They celebrate the incredible individuals, families and organizations that generously give their time, leadership and financial support to benefit countless people and communities. 

VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is pleased to congratulate: 

Alice Chung - Winner, Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award

Alice Chung is known around the community as a woman who rolls up her sleeves to push the boundaries of the impossible. With her graceful leadership and palpable energy, Alice has harnessed the power of philanthropy to raise over $20 million for health care transformation and over $1 million towards community revitalization. All while empowering other immigrant women and women of colour like herself. She has inspired her family to follow her path, resulting in the Chung family raising over an additional $6 million for children’s health, thousands of dollars for women’s health, and donating annually to organizations that work with marginalized communities. When Alice Chung sets her mind on something, there is no doubt that success will follow.

“Philanthropy has the power to influence lasting social change.” 

Alice’s leadership at VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation has materialized in numerous ways. She led the committee for the Foundation’s Time to Shine Gala as Chair and Co-Chair, helping to raise over $22 million in support of health care transformation. She was also a dedicated member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors from 2017-2023, where she used her network, expertise, and charisma to connect both new and older generations to the work of the Foundation. We are incredibly thankful for Alice’s generosity, as she has been key to helping us realize many projects including VGH’s very first hybrid operating room.

Alison Snowden & David Fine - Winner, Outstanding Legacy Philanthropist Award

Local filmmakers and Academy Award winners Alison Snowden and David Fine are two remarkable individuals who are using their celebrity to raise the profile of planned giving. After a donor-funded piece of equipment saved Alison’s life, the couple have dedicated themselves to sharing their story and inspiring others to leave legacy gifts. By leaving gifts in their wills, being ambassadors for large fundraising campaigns, and promoting legacy giving publicly, David and Alison have shined a bright light on the transformative impact of planned giving. By contributing to their community through monthly giving, advocacy, and volunteering, David and Alison have truly exemplified the meaning of paying it forward.

“When Alison’s life was saved by the extraordinary efforts of doctors at VGH, we felt an emotional need to do something to give back.”

Alison Snowden and David Fine have been remarkable champions of legacy giving at VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. Having personally received care at VGH in 2017, the filmmaking duo has made it their mission to utilize their platform to share their story and inspire others to become legacy giving donors.

Ritchie Family: Tammy Ritchie & Dave Ritchie - Winner, Spirit of Generosity Award

Tammy and Dave Ritchie are a father/daughter team, unlike anything we have ever seen in BC. This dynamic duo combines a rare blend of compassion, kindness and understanding about life, prompting a record nine co-nominators to support this long overdue and well-deserved nomination. Dave’s childhood was difficult, growing up poor in a farming and orchard town in the Okanagan. These experiences shaped him and how he raised his kids, providing real-life lessons on hardship and the importance of quietly lending a helping hand to someone in need. Tammy and Dave have supported organizations across our entire province with giving estimated to be in excess of $20+ million to dozens of organizations. Tammy and David are not only proud supporters of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation but also support Surrey Hospitals Foundation, BC Cancer Foundation, Lions Gate Hospital Foundation, Peace Arch Hospice Society, Ronald McDonald House BC and Yukon, KidSport Surrey / White Rock, Gustavson School of Business | University of Victoria and KGH Foundation.

“It all matters, regardless of the size of the donation.”

The Ritchie’s relationship with VGH began twenty years ago through an appeal to support Dr Larry Goldenberg in setting up the Vancouver Prostate Centre (VPC). Giving to this novel endeavour was meaningful to the Ritchie’s as they are “a big believer in supporting health care, especially equipment and research. It helps everyone.” Today, the VPC is a leading centre in Canada for advancing research and care for prostate diseases, thanks to generous leadership donors like Dave and Tammy. VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation announce launch of $35 million fundraising campaign for Urologic Sciences.

VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation would like to thank our incredible community of donors and volunteers who make our work possible! A special shout out to all the winners and nominees, as well as the fantastic members of the Association of Fundraising Professionals whose work inspires us. Together, we transform health care.