Victoria Hospitals Foundation Shatters Fundraising Record with $3.65 Million Gala for Surgical Innovation
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A record-breaking $3.65 million was raised saturday night at teh Victoria hospitals Foundation’s 33rd annual visions Gala, propelling forward a $21-million campaign dedicated to revolutionizing surgical and oncology care at Royal Jubilee and Victoria General hospitals. The funds will accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and treatments for patients across Vancouver Island.
A Night of Philanthropic Momentum
More then 640 attendees gathered at the Fairmont empress for the black-tie event, co-hosted by CHEK News anchor Stacy Ross and urologist Dr.Iain McAuley. The evening’s success was driven by a surge of donations, significantly advancing the foundation’s “It’s Time for Surgical Evolution” initiative in a single night.
“Victoria continues to punch above its weight: our hospitals are exceptional, our surgeons are at the top of their game, and the innovation we are leading is not happening this quickly anywhere else,” a senior official stated. “At the heart of it all is philanthropy,and the people who believe in better care for their community. for that, we are deeply and personally grateful.”
Investing in Advanced Surgical Technologies
The ample funds raised will be allocated to acquiring state-of-the-art equipment, including a second da Vinci surgical robot. This addition will expand access to minimally invasive care,particularly in the fields of gynecologic oncology and pediatric surgery.Furthermore, the foundation plans to fund Vancouver Island’s first-ever neurosurgery robot, positioning Victoria as a regional leader in advanced neurological treatment – a capability currently available in only a handful of Canadian health centers.
The investment extends beyond robotics,with plans to procure 60 precision oncology tools. These tools will provide local surgeons and oncologists with access to equipment typically found in major national cancer centers, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment effectiveness. Guests at the gala were given the prospect to preview both robotic surgical suites before their installation at Victoria General Hospital.
Generous Donations Fuel Campaign Success
The gala’s pledge drive reached unprecedented levels, sparked by a $1-million matching donation from philanthropist Craig Mearns. This initial momentum was further bolstered by a $500,000 gift from Andrew Sheret Limited, specifically earmarked for women’s health initiatives.
modernizing Surgical Care Across Greater Victoria
The Victoria Hospitals Foundation believes the success of Saturday’s event represents a notable step toward modernizing surgical care throughout Greater Victoria. “Innovative surgical systems and technology help us to provide better care, with better outcomes after cancer surgery,” explained a general surgeon at the event.
Why: The Victoria Hospitals Foundation held its 33rd annual Visions Gala to raise funds for surgical and oncology care improvements at Royal Jubilee and Victoria General hospitals.
Who: The event was hosted by the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, co-hosted by Stacy Ross and Dr. Iain McAuley, and supported by donors like Craig Mearns and Andrew Sheret Limited. It benefited patients across Vancouver Island.
What: A record-breaking $3.65 million was raised to fund advanced surgical technologies, including a second da Vinci surgical robot, a neurosurgery robot, and 60 precision oncology tools.
How did it end?: The gala concluded with a triumphant pledge drive, exceeding fundraising goals and significantly advancing the foundation’s “It’s Time for Surgical Evolution” campaign. The funds will be used to acquire and implement the new
