Friends of the Foundation

Peace Arch Hospital Foundation honoured six individuals, one business and one secondary school last week at its annual Friends of the Foundation celebration held September 25. Now in its 11th year, the event was held at Morgan Creek Golf Club and recognized the honourees for their extraordinary contributions to the health and wellness of the community with special Friends of the Foundation awards.

More than 100 people, all leaders through their giving, support and commitment to the Foundation, attended the celebration.

This year’s award recipients included:

1. Steve and Karen McDonald, longtime donors to the Foundation who have always believed in the importance of giving back where they live. They have generously supported both the new ER and surgical suites, among other projects, so that everyone in the community can access the best health possible.

2. Dr. Jean Lauzon, a surgeon and Peace Arch Hospital`s Medical Director, who regularly supports the Foundation with donor tours, speaking engagements and fundraising campaigns. His passion for surgery, his patients, and Peace Arch Hospital is outstanding.

3. Jennifer Bishop, an active volunteer with the Foundation for the past 16 years, lending her time and talents to both the Peace Arch Hospital Gala and the Great Pumpkin Run Walk.

4. Jimmy Wang is the founder and CEO of Univision Financial Services Limited, an organization that has provided insurance and investment consulting services to new immigrants for more than 13 years. Through his network of philanthropic-minded clients, Jimmy has been instrumental in helping the Foundation to engage with our growing Mandarin-speaking community.

5. Whitecliff Retirement Residence has resided in South Surrey for 30 years, and since 2009, has generously sponsored the Foundation’s Strawberry Social event.

6. Elgin Park Secondary leadership students, and teacher Sue Janzen, have raised more than $275,000 for charity through their Cycle4ER fundraiser. Over the last 10 years, three spin-a-thon events were in support of Peace Arch Hospital, with the latest raising a staggering $72,000.

7. Paul Bennett was an integral and longstanding member of Peace Arch Hospital’s surgical team and loved being a nurse in the OR. His colleagues were his extended family and his patients were his passion. He was a strong supporter of the Foundation, frequently volunteering his time to speak with donors and participate in tours and fundraising campaigns.