November 2, 2009
Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation > Media Room > November 2, 2009

South Asian community surpasses $2 million fundraising goal

Surrey, B.C. – A South Asian community fundraising effort on behalf of Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation has exceeded its $2 million goal during a 3rd annual radiothon.

The 16-hour broadcast on November 2nd at Surrey-based radio station Red 93.1 FM resulted in pledges totalling $900,000. This allowed the community to surpass the $2 million goal that was established in 2007.

“For three years in a row, the South Asian community has shown its generosity through this fundraiser for Surrey Memorial Hospital,” says Red FM owner Kulwinder Sanghera, who is also a board member at Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation. “It is a very moving experience to witness the number of people who have come together to give.”

“What a powerful show of generosity,” says Foundation President/CEO Jane Adams. “We saw children donating piggy banks, businesses joining forces to give, and families contributing what they can.”

Pledges include a $50,000 donation from local food company Fruiticana, whose owner Tony Singh made a successful plea to listeners to match his contribution in a half hour period.

The fundraiser is in support of Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Emergency Centre campaign, which is raising $15 million to help replace the hospital’s current ER - the busiest in BC at 77,000 visits a year.

The new Emergency Centre, at triple the size of the current facility, will include a separate children’s ER, as well as a separate mental health and addictions area, an enhanced minor treatment unit, and an improved area for acute patients.

On November 15th 2007, it was announced the main entry to the new Emergency Centre will be named the Guru Nanak Emergency Services Front Entrance, in recognition of the South Asian community’s contributions to the Foundation throughout the years.

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For more information or interviews, contact:
Jason Howe
Public Affairs Director
Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation
604-585-5666 ext 8284
cell: 604-613-6873
jason.howe{at}fraserhealth.ca
www.smhfoundation.com