BHCF Care Close to Home Magazine - 2026

“ Our new name and logo represent the next step in our evolution, shaped by a clearer, stronger understanding of how we can maximize our impact. ”

A NEW CHAPTER

Stepping forward with purpose as our Foundation grows to meet community needs

THE PAST YEAR has been one of remarkable progress, collaboration, and celebration. As we approach the opening of Phase One of the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment, we are also stepping into an exciting new chapter of our own journey that is full of growth, purpose, and connection.

Over the past year, we’ve taken time to reflect on how far we’ve come and to strategize where we aspire to be in the years ahead. Throughout this process, it has become increasingly clear that our community is evolving and that our approach must evolve alongside it. Health and wellness are no longer limited to the hospital setting; today, they touch every aspect of our daily lives, from the wellness practices we embrace at home to the programs and support systems that strengthen our community.

And we believe our Foundation can play an even greater role in addressing these evolving needs. That’s why we’re expanding our reach and strengthening our commitment to the people we serve. With this growth comes a renewed identity: Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation. Our new name and logo represent the next step in our evolution, shaped by a clearer, stronger understanding of how we can maximize our impact.

CARE CLOSE TO HOME

PRESIDENT & CEO

Kristy James

VP DEVELOPMENT

Danielle Sleiman

CONTRIBUTING EDITORIAL

Sandi Gauvin, Alyssa Hirose, Gail Johnson, Emily Winckler

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHY

Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation, Barry Calhoun Photography, Shutterstock

This transformation is more than a visual refresh; it reflects a renewed commitment to moving forward with intention and dedication to advancing healthcare, compassion, and wellness across our community. It’s about how we show up—united in purpose and motivated to create long-lasting meaningful change.

Together, we’ve already accomplished so much. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, volunteers, and partners, we have raised over $55 million to support the redevelopment of Burnaby Hospital. This milestone serves as a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when a community comes together with heart, generosity, and determination.

Thank you for being part of this journey and for continuing to stand with us as we build a healthier future for everyone in our community.

Sincerely,

CEO & PUBLISHER

Ryan Benn

VP PUBLISHING OPERATIONS

Nina Wagner

VP CUSTOM PUBLISHING

Chad Brealey

VP CONTENT

Tracy Peternell

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Emily Heffring

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jenny Reed

MANAGING EDITOR

Melissa Curman

ART DIRECTOR

Edwin Pabellon

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Kim McLane

DIRECTOR CIRCULATION

Tracy McRitchie

The Jim Pattison Surgery Centre will transform the patient experience with new operating rooms that are safer, more efficient, and better equipped to support high-quality care.

6 READY FOR LAUNCH

In the spring of 2026, the doors to Phase One’s Patient Pavilion will officially open.

7 CONTINUOUS CARE

New dialysis technology means vulnerable patients can receive the care they need from Burnaby Hospital’s ICU.

8 BEYOND BURNABY HOSPITAL

Whether through a clinic, facility, or home health care providers, Burnaby patients receive quality care wherever they need it. 10 FASTER RELIEF FROM CHRONIC PAIN

The Interventional Pain Clinic delivers rapid treatment that enables patients to live more comfortably.

11 FOUNDRY BURNABY

A new network of integrated health and wellness services for young people between the ages of 12 and 24 and their caregivers is coming to Burnaby.

12 THE CHANGE-MAKERS

Recognizing the generosity of Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation’s supporters.

14 BURNABY HEALTHY LIVING GRANTS

Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation is awarding grants to local groups and organizations promoting health and wellness in the community.

Essential Expansion

Burnaby Hospital’s new Jim Pattison Surgery Centre will grow critical surgical capacity for the community

Burnaby Hospital’s new operating room suites were still under construction in late 2025, but 97-year-old Jim Pattison was able to sneak in for a look around. It was, surprisingly, the first time that the legendary BC philanthropist and entrepreneur had ever experienced this kind of behind-the-scenes tour. But providing decades of support, a $5 million matching gift, and having a building named after you does have its perks.

Dr. Tim Kostamo, head of orthopedic surgery at Burnaby Hospital and past board member of Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation, was honoured to provide Pattison with a tour of the new Operating Room (OR). The surgeon recognizes firsthand the difference the philanthropist’s donation—and every gift, no matter its size—makes for the hospital’s patients and its healthcare providers. “Right now, our operating rooms are relatively small,” he says, explaining that the close quarters make it difficult for nurses and surgeons to work efficiently.

The Jim Pattison Surgery Centre— named, of course, in honour of the generous $5 million matching gift—will provide essential care to the approximately 500,000 people living in Burnaby and East Vancouver. The redevelopment, which started construction in 2021, will add six new spacious operating room suites to the original four, for a total of 10 ORs.

Burnaby Hospital performs nearly 11,000 surgeries annually, but the ORs have not been updated significantly since the 1970s. “A modernly designed operating room is going to make a big difference for us,” says Dr. Kostamo, who has been working at the hospital for 18 years. He explains that the

practitioners who use the small ORs experience strain on their own bodies while accommodating the crowded conditions (for example, spending long hours in surgery bent at an angle to avoid interfering with lights, monitors, and other people). This can cause

long-lasting issues that eventually impact the community: “If you’re a surgeon getting neck and back problems because of bad ergonomics, and your career is cut short … that’s a lot of patients you won’t be able to look after,” he points out.

The Jim Pattison Surgery Centre’s new suites feature a contemporary functionality that’s missing in the current space; for example, some technology that was previously on wheels or installed on the floor is now mounted to the ceiling. This effectively erases any impact on square footage, not only giving healthcare providers more elbow room, but also allowing additional innovative technology and tools to fit comfortably in the space.

This innovative technology includes robotics-assisted surgery, a landmark achievement for Burnaby

Hospital. The Mako Robotic system, implemented in 2024, is the first of its kind in Western Canada. This system makes procedures safer and more accurate by helping surgeons plan and implement a joint replacement procedure with extreme precision.

Dr. Kostamo says, for example, that a 3D model of a patient’s knee is created, and then every component of the surgery is planned exactly to that specific patient’s anatomy. “Then, during the surgery, the robot controls the cuts to match the plan that we’ve made,” he says.

The Mako Robotic system can be used to train residents and it’s sure to also attract new talent to the orthopedic field. “We are constantly evolving to make our techniques better, and the robot is a big step in that direction,” says Dr. Kostamo. Every element of the new OR has been carefully chosen with patients in mind, from the highest-tech robotic

The Science Behind the Blues

Blue defines the visual character of the operating suites within the Jim Pattison Surgery Centre, chosen not only for its decorative qualities but also for its physiological and psychological effects. In a space where precision is paramount, colour becomes a functional design element—one that supports both performance and composure.

Surgical procedures put extraordinary demands on the eyes. Constant focus on blood and red tissues under bright lights can tire the eyes and even create distracting “afterimages” when a surgeon looks away. The colour blue mitigates these effects. A recent narrative review of operating room safety and design emphasized that calming, cool colours, such as blue, help reduce visual tension and support visual acuity—a critical advantage during surgery.

equipment to the paint colour used on the centre’s walls. The specific blue tones used in the Jim Pattison Surgery Centre were chosen for their calming effect and to provide practitioners a visual break from intricate surgical work and harsh fluorescent lighting.

Beyond its significant financial impact, Pattison’s $5M matching gift inspired nearly 4,000 other donors to give. Within six months of its announcement, the community successfully matched the $5M, resulting in a $10M total to help fund the critical redevelopment of Burnaby Hospital.

The Jim Pattison Surgery Centre is part of the expansion and renovation of the Support Facilities Building, which also includes an expanded Emergency Department, a new Medical Device Reprocessing Unit, and a new energy centre. This expansion, plus the new six-floor Patient Pavilion (featuring a Maternity and Neonatal

Colour also influences mood. Shades of blue are widely associated with calmness and composure. In the high-pressure, high-stakes environment of the OR, such subtle psychological benefits can help the surgical team maintain steady focus and even help patients feel more at ease when they glimpse the room before a procedure begins.

Intensive Care Unit, a Mental Health Inpatient Unit, and more) makes up Phase One of the redevelopment. For surgeons like Dr. Kostamo, the new Jim Pattison Surgery Centre means a more productive and comfortable working environment—a space that fosters teamwork and collaboration—and, ultimately, the ability to help more patients. “The tools and technologies that help us push toward improved outcomes are embraced wholeheartedly,” he says. “We’re in a constant quest for perfection in the care of the patient.”

Ready for Launch

CONTINUOUS CARE

It’s been almost four years since ground was first broken on the redevelopment of Burnaby Hospital. Since then, every square foot of the new Patient Pavilion has been crafted with meticulous design and thoughtful construction, a process entirely dedicated to serving the community in Burnaby, East Vancouver, and beyond. Early this spring, the 83-bed Pavilion will welcome its first patients, marking a monumental project milestone made possible by $30M raised by the Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation. “Our city has grown tremendously, and this upgrade and expansion will ensure Burnaby residents’ needs are met for years to come,” says Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley.

Phase One Patient Pavilion

Opening Highlights

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Maternity Unit

Instead of giving birth in one room and being transported immediately to another—an unavoidable process due to space limitations in the current hospital—mothers will be able to deliver their babies and recover in one space. The new Maternity Unit includes single rooms, giving families more privacy during those momentous first few days, as well as private bathrooms and places for partners to stay. Some of the new maternity rooms include birthing tubs for families who wish to have a water birth in a safe, well-resourced space.

Mental Health Inpatient Unit

When a person’s kidneys aren’t functioning properly, dialysis may be needed. This involves taking some of the patient’s blood, filtering it to get rid of all the toxins and waste, and then sending the refreshed blood back into the body. “It’s taking the place of the kidney’s job,” explains Dr. Wesley Jang, department head of critical care medicine at Burnaby Hospital.

Burnaby Hospital’s new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) will provide quality, compassionate care to babies born prematurely or who require specialized monitoring or treatment. The NICU will support the most vulnerable newborns, with six private rooms that allow parents to comfortably stay with their babies overnight. This NICU and the new Maternity Unit are both on the fourth floor, allowing patients to easily transition from one space to the other.

The countdown is on: in Spring 2026, Phase One of Burnaby Hospital’s redevelopment will officially open and support. This space features single rooms with private bathrooms, a sensory intervention room (designed to promote calmness and minimize the need for medications), multiple recreational activity rooms, an exercise room, private meeting spaces, and a beautiful outdoor patio. There is also a six-patient Clinical Decision Unit that supports short-term stays for patients in crisis.

The mental health needs of our community are growing, and the new 30-bed Mental Health Inpatient Unit located on the fifth floor of the Patient Pavilion provides essential services

New dialysis technology allows vulnerable patients to receive the care they need from within Burnaby Hospital’s ICU hospital to receive continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).

Some dialysis patients don’t need to be in the intensive care unit (ICU) or in the hospital at all; they can visit a few days a week to receive intermittent hemodialysis (IHD), a treatment that lasts three to four hours per session. But for those in critical condition, this treatment isn’t possible. “They’re so sick that their blood pressure can’t really handle how aggressive the IHD is,” Dr. Jang says.

Before spring 2025, Burnaby Hospital’s most vulnerable dialysis patients had few options. “We would have to do as much medical therapy as possible to try to kick-start the kidneys,” Dr. Jang explains. Usually, ICU patients in need of dialysis would end up being transferred to another

Hospital transfers are risky for patients and stressful for their loved ones. “Family members—many who are Burnaby residents—have to travel,” says Dr. Jang. “There’s a new team taking care of them, and it’s unfamiliar for the patient’s family.”

Now, critical patients with kidney disease can receive dialysis without having to leave the Burnaby Hospital ICU. Thanks to generous donors, the Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation funded CRRT equipment for the ICU in March 2025. Unlike IHD, which takes a lot of blood at once, CRRT is a gentle, continuous process that takes 24 hours to filter a patient’s blood. “It’s a nice, slow form of therapy that allows us to treat our sick patients,” explains Dr. Jang, “so it’s a lot safer.”

Dr. Jang says the CRRT machine has had a strongly positive impact on patient care in the ICU, and not just because it’s a new mode of treatment for kidney disease. Fewer patients

requiring transfer means improved patient safety, and hospital staff have received new training. “We’ve always had the skills; we just needed the equipment,” says Dr. Jang.

Part of the Burnaby Hospital team for seven years, Dr. Jang notes the extraordinary growth that the department has experienced in that time. “It wouldn’t be possible without the help of our Foundation. The donations helped us tremendously with equipment purchasing and so forth,” he says.

Phase Two of Burnaby Hospital’s redevelopment includes a new ICU, so Dr. Jang stresses the importance of getting familiar with new technology— like the CRRT machine—ahead of the expansion. “Then, when we get the new build, it’ll be seamless,” he says.

Burnaby is Dr. Jang’s hometown, and being able to offer innovative, life-saving treatment at Burnaby Hospital gives him a sense of pride: “Taking care of the community you grew up in is a good feeling.”

Beyond Burnaby Hospital

Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation extends funding to support quality healthcare throughout our community

The Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation, with our newly adopted name and mandate, recognizes that health and wellness extend beyond the walls of a busy community hospital, reaching into every part of our daily lives.

This year, our Foundation embraced a new mandate following long reflection on how far we’ve come, and where we aspire to be in the years ahead. Throughout this process, it became clear that the community is evolving and so must the Foundation’s response. More than ever, health and wellness extend beyond the walls of the hospital.

As we move forward, the Foundation will be fueling this commitment to community support through partnerships that provide vital services, including facilities providing short-stay, sub-acute care; long-term care; hospice care; healthcare for new Canadians; and in-home care to support independent living.

St. Michael’s Centre

St. Michael’s Centre, at 7451 Sussex Avenue, and the Foundation work in partnership to provide services across a continuum of care for seniors in the Burnaby community.

The only hospice in Burnaby, the centre includes 128 publicly subsidized long-term care beds and a 16-bed hospice that offers an environment where patients and their families can spend precious moments together. The team at St. Michael’s features recreation staff, rehabilitation assistants, an occupational therapist, and a music therapist. Spiritual health is central, with an onsite spiritual health practitioner offering non-denominational support and a chapel hosting services for various faith traditions.

“Our team, our staff, and our board are there to look after the needs of all of our residents and patients and to provide them with the best quality of life we can while they’re with us,” says St. Michael’s Centre CEO Arif Padamshi. “We also work to take stress away from family members. We want to create an environment of love, safety, compassion, and care. We do whatever we can to bring our residents joy.”

New Canadian Clinic

The Burnaby New Canadian Clinic, located at 204-7315 Edmonds Street, is an important part of the care continuum for new Canadians. The Foundation’s funding helps support the clinic in offering primary care for refugees, integrating medical care with

Facilities such as the New Canadian Clinic, Fellburn Care Centre, St. Michael’s Centre, Chénchenstway Care Home, and Burnaby Home Health bring Burnaby Hospital into the community.

social supports to help new arrivals navigate their needs and adjustment to life in Canada with a team that provides a welcoming approach.

“It’s a holistic approach,” says Ranjit Lehal, family nurse practitioner at the New Canadian Clinic. “Our goal is to help support with settlement as well as to stabilize physical health, mental health, and emotional health.”

Fellburn Care Centre

The Foundation also supports the key community services provided by the

Community programs ensure people are receiving the kind of care that enhances their well-being, independence, and dignity.

Fellburn Care Centre, located at 6050 East Hastings Street. This multicultural home provides three types of services including long-term care, sub-acute care for short stays, and an adult day program. The facility is equipped to manage more advanced medical procedures, reducing the need for transferring patients. Fellburn emphasizes quality of life through healthcare, recreation, and spiritual support, delivered by a diverse staff, providing care that is responsive to cultural and linguistic needs.

“Every decision we make puts the residents first,” says Matthew Mah, Fellburn’s clinical operations manager and former registered nurse. “We’ve been developing an inclusive type of culture, and when I walk around, there’s a feeling of positivity here.”

Chénchenstway Care Home

Through the generous help of donors, the Foundation also supports a newly renovated community residence called Chénchenstway Care Home. Named for the Squamish word meaning “to lift each other up,” Chénchenstway, at 7550 Rosewood Street, provides a modern, resident-centred option for seniors in a 216 single-bed home. Residents have access to landscaped courtyards, shared activity spaces, spiritual and recreational services, and updated dining areas alongside a full-service kitchen that offers homecooked meals.

Burnaby Home Health

Supporting community members in their own homes promotes wellness and independence. Funding support from the Foundation helps Burnaby Home Health provide in-home services, including rehabilitation that focuses on mobility, strength, flexibility, and coordination to help clients maintain or regain independence. Nursing staff and community health workers assist with personal care needs, while palliative support allows clients to remain at home during end-of-life care. Social workers address discharge planning, psychosocial concerns, and connections to community resources.

The Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation remains committed to advancing healthcare, compassion, and wellness across our community. Our new mandate deepens our commitment beyond the walls of Burnaby Hospital to our community members. Together, with our quality community care programs, the Foundation aims to ensure people in Burnaby receive the right care in the right setting to enhance health, independence, and dignity.

Opportunity to Learn

Medical Education Grants awarded by Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation help staff continue to exceed in their fields

Burnaby Hospital team members aim to enrich their knowledge and remain up to date with medical advances by taking every opportunity to further their professional development. Medical Education Grants from the Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation support these efforts by Burnaby Hospital staff, ultimately leading to improved care and outcomes for their patients.

Dr. Wesley Jang, department head of critical care medicine at Burnaby Hospital, was a 2025 recipient of a Medical Education Grant. The funding helped to pay for the intensive care unit (ICU) team to attend the 17th World Congress of Intensive & Critical Care at the Vancouver Convention Centre in September 2025. “It’s the biggest conference in the world for ICUs,” says Dr. Jang.

Speakers came from all over the globe to share groundbreaking research and treatments. “There were lectures and hands-on experiences—it was good to mingle and talk with experts from around the world to make sure that everything we’re doing is up to standard,” says Dr. Jang. Medical Education Grants provided by Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation are an integral part of the world-class care that patients receive at Burnaby Hospital. When medical staff have the opportunity to update and enrich their education, learn new skills, and network with other professionals, they are able to make an even greater impact within their care community.

Faster Relief from Chronic Pain

Burnaby Hospital’s Interventional Pain Clinic delivers rapid treatment that enables patients to live more comfortably

‘‘The pain and constant discomfort took a toll on my entire life,” Burnaby resident Michael recalls. For years, chronic back pain left him unable to walk, play sports, or work. When he sought help, he was put on a five-year waiting list for back surgery.

It’s an experience that is common for those with chronic pain, confirms Dr. Gavin Gracias. Patients in BC often wait three years or more for surgery or multidisciplinary pain care, and in that time, their pain worsens. But at Burnaby Hospital’s Interventional Pain Clinic, care can be accessed much faster.

clarify the cause of persistent pain and guide next steps in care. That was the case for Michael. “With Dr. Gracias’s help and dedication, my condition was properly diagnosed, which allowed me to move forward with the surgery I needed,” he says.

Nearly 8 million Canadians live with chronic pain, but many struggle to find the right treatment or feel that they aren’t taken seriously by healthcare professionals. For patient Dave, who suffered from post-surgery chronic back pain for two years, a consultation at the Interventional Pain Clinic was life-changing: “I was treated with respect, and they understood the pain,” he recalls.

Foundry Burnaby

A welcome addition to care in Burnaby that will transform access to services for youth and their families

“We really pride ourselves on being able to see people as quickly as possible,” Dr. Gracias says, adding that patients usually have their first appointment within four to six weeks of their referral date.

The clinic, led by anesthesiologists Dr. Gracias and Dr. Andrew Yu, specializes in injections to relieve chronic pain. But what patients receive is far more comprehensive than an injection. The team investigates underlying causes and creates personalized treatment plans. “Every day is like a mystery,” says Dr. Gracias. “You don’t know where the pain is coming from, and you have to figure it out.”

When Dr. Gracias first started at Burnaby Hospital in 2008, care for chronic pain was limited, and there was no dedicated space or support staff. “It’s really hard in a system that is so limited [in] resources to expand,” says Dr. Gracias, “but we’ve been able to do that with advocacy from patients and with the help of the Foundation.”

Now, the Interventional Pain Clinic operates two days per week and sees more than 2,500 patients annually. For some, treatment at the Interventional Pain Clinic can help

Thanks to developing technology and funding from the Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation, innovations in chronic pain treatment are uncovering some of its mysteries. “There are people who have had surgery on their abdomen and have trapped nerves, and we’re able to actually find them with the ultrasound machine that was sponsored by the Foundation,” says Dr. Gracias.

From headaches to plantar fasciitis, the Interventional Pain Clinic is a much-needed resource. “As the population [increases and] ages, we have to find a way to provide more services,” says Dr. Gracias. “I’m hoping that, as Burnaby Hospital gets redeveloped, we’ll find a more dedicated space with more consistent ability to provide care.”

Patient Testimonial

Dr. Gracias, along with his staff and the dedicated team and volunteers at Burnaby Hospital, made my visit as comfortable and efficient as possible. Everyone was patient and kind. I can now walk more comfortably and with improved stability.

—Ali, Burnaby Hospital Interventional Pain Clinic knee injection patient (2025)

Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation has joined in a fundraising partnership to support the development, renovation, and equipping of Foundry Burnaby, a vital community resource dedicated to prevention, early intervention, and wellness for young people ages 12 to 24, and their families, in Burnaby and East Vancouver. Because Burnaby Hospital does not currently offer youth mental health services, this partnership represents a meaningful opportunity to expand access to care and bring much-needed support to the community.

Foundry is a province-wide initiative, supported by the Government of BC, whose aim is to create a network of integrated health and social service centres where youth and their caregivers can easily access needed support without being limited by where they live.

The Foundation committed to raising $1 million to help make Foundry Burnaby, at 6889 Royal Oak Avenue, a welcoming community centre. By bringing together mental health care, substance use services, primary and sexual health care,

youth and family peer support, and social services, Foundry Burnaby, with services led by the BC Centre for Ability, will make it easier for young people to find support in their own community.

“The new Burnaby Foundry will be a fantastic addition to our community, and we are thrilled to see Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation stepping up to provide funding for this important initiative,” said Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley.

“At Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation, we believe that every story begins with care that is accessible, caring, and confidential—for everyone in our community, including our young people,” said Harry Parmar, Chair, Board of Trustees.

“This commitment to community is reflected in our Foundation’s new name. With donations from our generous community members, the Foundation will support the care that Foundry Burnaby will deliver to help young people in our community live healthier lives.”

Foundry Burnaby, a community-led initiative governed by the community partners, youth, and families on its

leadership tables, will create a vital community resource, ensuring that young people and families in Burnaby and East Vancouver have a simpler, more connected pathway to care. With the contributions of generous donors, the Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation will provide an integral stepping stone toward the realization of this important service centre.

The Foundation relies on the generous support of its donors to fund innovative healthcare solutions such as Foundry Burnaby. You can contribute to help transform this new centre into a warm, youthdesigned space that supports healing, connection, and confidence.

For more information about how you can help build a brighter, healthier community, go to Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation’s website at bhfoundation.ca/contact-us/donate

The Change-Makers

1

2

healthcare heroes.

3 ABC RECYCLING

ABC Recycling donated $25,000 to support the advancement of Burnaby Hospital’s transformation.

4 BURNABY LAKE RUN

The 8th annual Burnaby Lake Run & Carnival raised over $5,600 to support Burnaby Hospital’s redevelopment.

5 SMILE COOKIE

Store owners Manpal and Arpen Ranaand, Ajit and Harj Thandi, and family members raised over $17,000 through Tim Horton’s Smile Cookie campaign.

6 BOSTON PIZZA BIG BEND

Boston Pizza Big Bend raised over $2,500 to support the purchase of advanced medical equipment and technologies.

7 MULTICULTURAL DRUM FESTIVAL

The 3rd Multicultural Drum Festival by the Multicultural Drum Festival Society raised $2,000 to support Burnaby Hospital.

8 PINOY FESTIVAL

Burnaby’s vibrant Filipino community raised $2,800 through the Pinoy Festival, a cultural celebration of art, dance, and music.

9 AKALI SINGH SIKH SOCIETY

Supporters since 2006, the Akali Singh Sikh Society donated $10,000 in 2025 toward the redevelopment of Burnaby Hospital.

Leaders in Philanthropy

The Doctors of Philanthropy initiative recognizes exceptional individuals and families whose cumulative giving of $50,000 or more has made a meaningful and lasting impact on Burnaby Hospital, our programs, and the broader community we serve.

Established to honour leadership philanthropy, this distinction celebrates those whose generosity reflects a deep commitment to strengthening healthcare for Burnaby and East Vancouver, ensuring patients and families have access to high-quality care both today and into the future.

Our Doctors of Philanthropy represent a community of change-makers. Through their leadership, vision, and unwavering support, they are helping to shape a healthier, more resilient future for all.

DOCTORS OF PHILANTHROPY HONOUREES

• Dr. Christopher Bozek and Dr. Donna Sue

• Robert and Fatima Bruno

• Pat and Judy Delesalle

• Ravi and Manju Kalra

• Robert and Marie Kuhn

• William and Dolores McCarthy

10 ST. NICHOLAS & DIMITRIUS ORTHODOX CHURCH PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY

The society raised $5,000 to support the purchase of new technology and equipment for Burnaby Hospital’s redevelopment.

11 BURNABY SPRING GALA

The 8th Burnaby Spring Gala raised $10,000 to support the purchase of advanced medical equipment and technology.

• Steven and Sandra McKoen

• Bill and Dawn Mitchell

• Eric and Carol Muir

• Ken and Junko Shinozaki

• Ryan and Emma Tones

• Eric Zhao

Robert and Fatima Bruno are recognized for leadership philanthropy supporting Burnaby Hospital.

For more information on Doctors of Philanthropy, please contact michelle.barton@bhfoundation.ca.

Burnaby Healthy Living Grants

In response to the growing need for local health initiatives, Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation is launching Healthy Living Grants, awarding one-time grants between $500 and $5,000 to local organizations promoting health, wellness, and disease prevention.

Healthy Living Grants will support vulnerable populations—children and youth, seniors, and newcomers to Canada—by awarding grants to organizations committed to bettering the community:

• by encouraging healthy behaviours early in life, including after-school exercise programs, healthy eating

programs in schools, and mental health workshops

• by promoting independence and improving quality of life for seniors, including mobility programs, mental health support, and chronic disease prevention workshops

• by ensuring equity in medical access for newcomers and other underserved communities, addressing linguistic, cultural, and social barriers to healthcare and food security

In doing so, Healthy Living Grants and the Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation are strengthening community connections, reducing the burden on our local healthcare

Nourishing Care at Burnaby Hospital

Innovative meal initiatives are serving up more than food—they’re serving patient care and support to patients and seniors in the community

Up for Meals

To combat isolation and immobility, the Up for Meals initiative encourages patient mobility and social-emotional well-being by getting patients out of bed for mealtimes.

This simple change “makes a huge difference in helping [patients] stay on track toward getting discharged,” says Arnel Egido, clinical nurse educator at Burnaby Hospital’s Acute Medicine Units.

system over time, and ensuring that all Burnaby residents can live healthy, fulfilling lives and make meaningful contributions to the community.

DP World, a multinational logistics company and inaugural sponsor of Healthy Living Grants, drives connectivity in all they do—whether connecting worlds through trade or to the communities they serve. “At DP World, we recognize the importance of connection and building strong communities. By partnering with Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation’s Healthy Living Grants, we’re demonstrating our commitment to making a positive contribution to the communities we live and work in.”

Thanks to strong leadership and collaboration, Up for Meals has positively impacted not only the patients but also staff morale, reinforcing Burnaby Hospital’s prioritization of human connection in care.

Senior Meals Program

Fraser Health’s Senior Meals Program underscores the crucial role hospitals play in their communities. On weekdays, between 4 and 6 pm, eligible seniors aged 65 years and older can visit Burnaby Hospital’s cafeteria to request the senior meal service— healthy, diverse dinners tailored to seniors’ nutritional needs— for only $4.99.

Choice Dining Program

With Fraser Health’s Choice Dining Program, Burnaby

Hospital is committed to improving patient experience by providing choice at mealtimes. Choice Dining allows patients on most diets to select menu items for lunch and dinner (choice at breakfast may also be available).

Patients can order meals using the CBORD Patient App or from a hospital menu assistant, who takes orders directly from patients at their bedsides.

With these three initiatives, Burnaby Hospital demonstrates deep care for the community while offering valuable lessons for other healthcare organizations looking to enhance the social-emotional aspects of patient recovery.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

We are grateful to our volunteer Board for their work and commitment to improving healthcare in the community

YOUR DONATIONS AT WORK

In the past year, the Burnaby Hospital & Community Foundation has made a significant impact, contributing $1,428,510 to Burnaby Hospital’s equipment, programs, and long-term care facilities. This included the acquisition of a Mako Robotic Surgical System, an advanced platform designed to enhance the precision and accuracy of joint replacement surgeries, making Burnaby Hospital the first in Western Canada to offer this cutting-edge technology. In addition, the Foundation has committed $55 million toward the multi-phase redevelopment of Burnaby Hospital. These funds will support the first and second phases of this transformational project, ensuring that Burnaby Hospital continues to meet our community’s growing healthcare needs for years to come.