This past year has been defined by meaningful progress, bold innovation and thoughtful enhancements across our health care system — all of which were made possible by the steadfast support of our community of donors. Thanks to your generosity, our hospitals and health care sites continue to evolve, becoming more responsive, compassionate and forward-thinking in their approach and treatment.
You have helped bring healing, comfort and renewed hope to those who need it most. Your generosity has fueled pioneering research, world-class care and life-saving treatments for the most complex cases from across the province.
At VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, we’re proud to be BC’s leading charity investing in health care innovation. But it’s your partnership that makes it all possible. In this report, I’m proud to share just a few inspiring examples of how our donor community united this past year to create meaningful change.
Thank you for believing in better health care for everyone across BC.
With gratitude,
Angela Chapman
President & CEO
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation
A new era in cancer care begins at VGH
Thanks to $5 million in donor support, Vancouver Coastal Health has opened BC’s first dedicated inpatient clinical trials
unit for early testing of novel blood cancer therapies at VGH.
The new Hematology Research Unit (HRU) is a game-changer for patients with relapsed or treatment-resistant blood cancers. It offers access to cutting-edge treatments like CAR T-cell immunotherapy, right here at home. This bold leap in cancer care is transforming hope into reality — offering patients with complex diagnoses access to breakthrough therapies that were once out of reach.
Integrated into the Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program of BC, the unit is specially designed to support complex trials that require intensive monitoring and expert care. With three private rooms, it’s equipped to host both industry-sponsored and investigator-led studies. “The HRU represents a critical step in expanding access to innovative cancer treatments for patients in BC,” says Dr. Kevin Song, Director, Leukemia/BMT Program of BC. “It gives people with few remaining options a chance to benefit from the latest advances in therapy without having to leave the province.”
This milestone was made possible by donors through VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation’s Greater Than Cancer campaign. Your generosity is fueling medical breakthroughs and bringing life-saving innovation to BC — thank you for your support.
Learn MoreA powerful swing toward better epilepsy care
Better care starts with better training.
The next generation of neurologists at VGH will receive just that, thanks to CIBC Real Estate’s inaugural Charity Golf Open in support of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation.
This special event brought together valued community partners, colleagues and friends for a meaningful day of golf and philanthropy, raising $75,000 for the VGH Epilepsy Fellowship Program. These funds will advance specialist training for epilepsy fellows, foster innovative research and strengthen patient care.
Through this partnership, CIBC is helping shape better outcomes and brighter futures for the more than 50,000 people in BC living with epilepsy.
Host Your Own Fundraising EventLifting emergency care to new heights
Every day, the VGH Emergency Department (ED) treats some of the sickest and most critically injured patients from across BC. The second annual LiftED fundraising event, presented by RBC, raised $508,000 to ensure the ED has the tools and training needed to continue delivering world-class emergency care.
Led by event Chair & Founder, and Foundation Board Director Naz Panahi, LiftED was a vibrant blend of celebration, gratitude and reflection, with inspirational remarks from emergency physicians and researchers.
As one of BC’s premier Level 1 Adult Trauma Centres, the VGH ED sees over 90,000 patients a year, many in life-threatening situations. Thanks to our generous donors, we’re lifting care to new heights and saving lives every day.
Learn MoreA decade of gratitude: Gazal’s remarkable recovery
Ten years ago, Gazal received a life-threatening diagnosis: Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, a rare autoimmune disease. At that time, very little was known about the condition and her health declined rapidly, leading to a nearly four-month medically-induced coma.
For her parents, Preet and Raman, those months were filled with fear — but also hope. That hope came from the compassionate care provided by VGH’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and neurology teams, led by Dr. Chantelle Hrazdil. The family felt embraced by Gazal’s care team and supported every step of the way.
Against all odds, Gazal made a full recovery with no residual effects from her illness or coma. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of this incredible milestone, her family donated $10,000 to the ICU in heartfelt gratitude.
“We will forever remain grateful to VGH for giving us our daughter back,” says Preet. “What we witnessed was not just medicine, it was humanity at its very best.”
More StoriesBuilding hope: Expanding surgical care for a healthier BC
Construction is underway on 15 new operating rooms and 38 perioperative patient bays at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), marking the start of Phase 2 of the multi-year plan to expand surgical capacity at VGH and UBC Hospital. The completion of this transformative project will provide faster, world-class surgical care — bringing renewed hope and healing to people in Vancouver and across BC.
The new rooms feature a universal design that focuses on accessibility and flexibility, enabling any type of surgery in any room. Enhanced layouts and advanced equipment will improve workflow, efficiency and safety, creating a better environment for staff and optimizing patient outcomes.
“Our new operating rooms at VGH will feature best-in-class technology and equipment, allowing us to provide safe, quality care to any patient in any room, regardless of the complexity or specialized nature of the care required,” says Vivian Eliopoulos, President & CEO, Vancouver Coastal Health. “We’re grateful for the incredible support of donors to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation and the Ministry of Health for helping us expand our surgical services to meet the needs of BC residents.”
Phase 1 of the expansion was completed in May 2021 with the opening of the Phil and Jennie Gaglardi Surgical Centre, which offered 16 new operating rooms and 40 perioperative bays. Completion of both phases of the expansion is expected to increase the number of surgeries from 16,800 to more than 19,000 per year.
Thanks to the support of donors like you, our health care teams will be able to meet the growing demand for surgeries, reduce wait times and improve access to world-class care.
Learn More
View the full 2025 Winter Impact Report
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Four Key Areas of Support
From near and far our community of donors
A new era in spinal care for BC
Earlier this year, the first patient was successfully treated using VGH’s revolutionary new spine robot. The robot is just one of the latest technological advancements made possible by donors like you.
“We’re one of the first in the country to acquire this robot,” says Dr. Nicolas Dea, Division Head of the Combined Neurosurgery & Orthopaedic Spine Program at VGH.“ With this technology, we will be able to improve spinal care in multiple fields, including oncology, spinal deformity, trauma and spinal cord injury. This robot will take spinal care in BC to the next level.”
“Without philanthropy, acquiring this technology would not be possible,” says Dr. Dea. “It is 100% donor-funded and we’re so lucky to have the help of amazing donors that support the investment in such technologies. It plays a crucial role in advancing health care in BC.”
Learn MoreView the full 2025 Summer Impact Report
Download the full Impact Report+Your Impact
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation generated a record $150.6 million in consolidated revenue in 2024-25 – making a significant impact on advancing health care and building healthier communities in BC.
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When it’s serious, the people of BC need the best, most specialized care — plus YOU. Explore the various ways you can contribute to our mission.
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