Donating Securities in a Down Market
Nov. 5, 2008

A New Spin on an Old Idea

With the past emphasis on donating appreciated securities, donors may not be aware that there can be advantages to making a gift of depreciated securities as well. The markets have been very unstable recently and most investors now find themselves holding portfolios that have declined in value. While many donors will find it hard to make gifts of appreciated securities, there is another way to support Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation through a gift of securities.

The Background

Most donors have traditionally considered giving gifts of securities at year end when they assess their tax situation and look at revamping their portfolio. Let’s not forget that many investors have realized substantial capital gains in recent years and these capital gains can be offset by capital losses to minimize the tax the investor will have to pay. Remember, capital losses can be carried back 3 years and forward indefinitely to offset capital gains.

The Opportunity

Donors can gift depreciated securities to Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation, realize the capital loss and apply the loss against past and future capital gains. In addition, the Foundation will provide the donor with a charitable tax receipt for the value of the donated securities. The donor can use this receipt to offset taxes they would otherwise pay. Donors can then choose to go back to the market and repurchase some or all of the same securities (after waiting a minimum period of at least 30 days). Depending on what happens to the markets in the 30 day wait period, donors could lower the Adjusted Cost Base of their stock holding, allowing for greater growth potential when the markets recover.

To sum up, donors can lock in their capital tax loss to claim against past and future gains and also receive a charitable tax receipt to offset tax. In addition, they can potentially lowering the ACB of their security if they choose to. Last but certainly not least, donors will feel good about using the market correction as an opportunity to support quality community health care in White Rock, South Surrey.

Soccer Tournament Proceeds benefit Hospital
Oct. 9, 2008
White Rock, BC – The proceeds from the 8th Annual Jordy Rosode Invitational Soccer Tournament have been donated to the Peace Arch Hospital & Community Health Foundation. With the support of sponsors, volunteers and participants, the two-day tournament raised over $5,500. Jackie Smith, Executive Director of Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation stated that “We are grateful to be the beneficiary of this year’s event. We congratulate the Rasode family on organizing this event that brings together youth and sport, and promotes good sportsmanship and health”. The event proceeds have been designated to the Partners in Caring Campaign’s Maternity Project. The Partners in Caring Campaign endeavors to raise $5.3 million to create new birthing rooms and equipment at Peace Arch Hospital. With planning currently underway, the new maternity unit is anticipated to be operational in Winter 2009/2010.

The Jordy Rosode Invitational Soccer Tournament is held in honor of Jordy Rosode’s dad, Ranbir, who died of a heart attack playing ice hockey eight years ago at the age of 34. Since then the Rosode family hold an annual tournament to honour his memory. This year’s tournament was attended by several dignitaries, including Attorney General Wally Oppal, Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts, Surrey North MP Penny Priddy, Surrey councillors Tom Gill, Judy Villeneuve, Barbara Steele and Linda Hepner were among the dignitaries who attended.

Barinder Rasode noted that “the Rasode Family is looking forward to a long-term relationship with the Peace Arch Hospital, and is proud to support the project to modernize the maternity ward at the Hospital.” Last year, the hospital’s maternity ward saw over 800 births, and the renovation will allow Peace Arch Hospital to meet the current standards of care, and ensure that women and babies receive the highest quality of healthcare that is available.

The Great Pumpkin Will Rise Again!
Oct. 1, 2008
White Rock, BC – The 2nd Annual Great Pumpkin Run/Walk in support of Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation will be held on Sunday, October 26th, 2008. This Halloween-themed event will feature 1K and 5K routes that start and finish at Peace Arch Hospital’s main parking lot and will include a health fair, race prizes, fundraising prizes and prize draws for costumed participants.

Foundation Executive Director, Jackie Smith states, “We are extremely excited to be hosting event which will help raise awareness and funding for our Partners in Caring Campaign. The Campaign aims to raise more than $30 million to support critically needed facility and health care program expansion and upgrades.” She goes on to say, “With the support of our event partners Peninsula Runners, the Hospital’s Auxiliary Society and Cardiac Rehab Program, and our generous event sponsors, we aim to bring our community together for a fun morning in support of better health for all.”

This year’s event sponsors include presenting sponsor Bay Realty Ltd., White Rock Honda, the Peace Arch News, Coast Capital Savings, CKNW and Choices Market.

Pre registration is required for all participants. Fees are $20 per person, or $25 after October 10th. Or you can register a team of four for $80. Children 12 and under, and those who collect a minimum of $100 or more in donations will receive a free registration. Deadline for registrations is Wednesday, October 22nd. Participants can register by phone, fax or drop off their registration and donation forms at the Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation office (located in the main lobby of Peace Arch Hospital). Registrations can also be dropped off at the White Rock and Langley locations of Peninsula Runners.

For more information, call the Foundation office at 604.535.4520 or email mdavis@peacearchhospital.com.

RBC Royal Bank donates $21,000 to Peace Arch Hospital
Oct. 1, 2008
White Rock, BC – On Wednesday, August 27th, RBC Commercial Financial Services hosted its 21st Annual Client Charity Golf Tournament. Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation is pleased to be selected as the beneficiary of funds raised during the tournament this year.

The 2008 Tournament was a success, with RBC clients and partners contributing to a sell-out event. The event proceeds have been designated to the Partners in Caring Campaign’s MRI Project. Jackie Smith, Executive Director of Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation noted that “RBC has been a long standing champion of healthcare in our community; this event is an excellent example of this commitment”. The Partners in Caring Campaign endeavors to raise $4.7 million to add MRI service at Peace Arch Hospital. With construction currently underway, the MRI is anticipated to be operational in February 2009.

Member of the event organizing committee commented that “RBC Royal Bank wishes to thank the generous support and participation of our valued clients and sponsors who once again helped make this annual event a resounding success”.

Foundation Board Announcement

At the Annual General Meeting of the Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation on Wednesday, June 25, 2008, Board of Director’s Chair, Sandy Wightman, passed the gavel to in-coming Chair Dragana Sanderson. Dragana is a Financial Planner with RBC Investments and has over 20 years in a management capacity with RBC. She has served on the Board as Director since 2004 during which time Dragana has Chaired, or been a member of the Win’Fall Oceanview Lottery Committee, Gala Committee, Planned Giving Committee and Finance Committee. In accepting this position, Dragana stated she has a passion for health care in our community and is looking forward to working with our many stakeholders in her role as Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Sandy Wightman, retired, Owner/Manager Windsor Square and Manager, Sunshine Coast Holdings, was appointed for an additional three-year term and will serve in the role of Past Chair. By virtue of her position, Jackie Smith, Executive Director, Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation will assume the role of Secretary. New Directors appointed to a three-year term include Jane Manning, who will assume the role of Vice-Chair, Bob Cooper, retired, Chartered Accountant, who will assume the role of Treasurer; Dale Bradford, Partner, Bradford Green, Barristers and Solicitors; and Tom Kirstein, retired, Founding Partner KNV Chartered Accountants.

Those continuing their three-year term appointments to the Board include Jack Boyce, Manager Business Development, Basran Wealth Management Group, RBC Dominion Securities; Gus da Roza, Architect, G3 Architecture Inc.; Len Fowler, Director/Officer CPAL Inc. a division of Forensic Logic; Randy Heed, Vice President, Colliers International; Rick Johnson, President, Rimark Industries Ltd.; Kim Karras, Partner, Brawn Karras & Sanderson, Barristers and Solicitors; Nancy Shewfelt, Senior Vice-President and Director, Wellington West Capital; and Denise Stevenson, retired Realtor.

Appointments include returning Medical Representative Dr. Jeffrey Purkis, General Practice, Peace Arch Hospital; with Dr. Eleanor Clark, Diagnostic Imaging, Peace Arch Hospital, as the Alternate Medical Representative. Leanne Heppell, Executive Director, Langley Memorial and Peace Arch Hospitals, is appointed as Peace Arch Hospital Representative. The appointments of City Liaison Representatives to the Board include, from the City of White Rock, Councilor Mary-Wade Anderson, and from the City of Surrey, Councilor Mary Martin.

The Board of Directors would also like to acknowledge and thank the following retiring Directors for their contribution to the Foundation’s Board and various committees: Wayne Baldwin who has served since 2002, Dr. Gary Jackson who has served since 2005, and Michael Levy who has served since 2003.

"Room to Grow" Calendar
August 26/08
You can support our Maternity Unit renovation through the purchase of the “Room To Grow” calendar. Calendars may be purchased at the Foundation office and other select locations in the White Rock area for $20. From each calendar sold, $10 goes directly to the Partners in Caring Campaign, Maternity project.

Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation would like to thank A.C.C. Media (Gemini Visuals, The Go Baby Expo, and Mission Management Group) for making this calendar possible.

BUILD MORE ROOM FOR BABIES

Our Community Hospital is growing and Peace Arch Hospital needs to grow with it.

Our White Rock/South Surrey population of approximately 85,000 today is expected to increase by 29% to more than 115,000 by 2020. Peace Arch Hospital already is experiencing congestion in the Maternity unit.

Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation is raising $5.3 million towards improvements to benefit families who need our maternity services.

Modernizing our Maternity unit will provide new birthing rooms and equipment. This initiative will provide a more comfortable environment for moms, infants, and families. Completion Date: Winter 2009.

For more information, go to www.peacearchhospital.com Thank you for your support!

2008 Spirit of the Sea TorchLight Parade
Aug. 3, 2008
During the BC Day Long weekend, Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation staff, Board & Cabinet members and volunteers participated in the Annual TorchLight Parade. The Foundation’s parade entry included a 33’ sailboat; one of the prizes in the 2008 Win’Fall Lottery. The Foundation was awarded 3rd place in the non-profit division for its parade entry.

Shell's Salon Spa Fundraiser Donates $12,000 to Peace Arch Hospital

White Rock, BC – July 17, 2008. Michelle Berezan, owner, presented cheques totalling $12,000 on behalf of Shell’s Salon Spa to Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation. The donation came as the proceeds from Shell’s Inaugural Fashion Auction, held at Chateau Cargill in April. This year’s proceeds will support the Foundation’s Partners in Caring Campaign.

For more information on how your community group or business can support Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation please contact 604.535.4520 or visit www.peacearchhospital.com.

Moby Dick Seafood Restaurant raises over $1,400 for Peace Arch Hospital

White Rock, BC – Moby Dick Seafood Restaurant presented a cheque for $1,413 to Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation in July, 2008. Owners Ralph and Monika Oswald have run an annual fundraising promotion in March of each year, whereby 50¢ from every guest cheque is donated to the Foundation. Since the inception of this program in 2000, Moby Dick Seafood Restaurant has raised a total of $12,277 for Peace Arch Hospital. This year’s proceeds will support the Foundation’s Partners in Caring Campaign.

For more information on how your community group or business can support Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation please contact 604.535.4520 or visit www.peacearchhospital.com.

Partners In Caring Gala Celebrates Hospital Foundation's 20th Anniversary and much more

White Rock, BC – On Saturday, April 26th, Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation celebrated their 20th anniversary in style at their 2008 Partners in Caring Gala.

The spectacular annual fundraising event took place at White Rock’s Centennial Park Leisure Centre in support of the Foundation’s Partners in Caring Campaign, which aims to raise funds for significant upgrades and enhancements for Peace Arch Hospital. One of the major highlights of the elaborate evening was the announcement of a $500,000 pledge from RED FM, who was represented at the event by Station Owner, Kulwinder Sanghera, General Manager, Bijoy Samuel and News Director, Harjinder Thind.

As Jack Boyce, Foundation Board Member and the 2008 Partners in Caring Gala Chair states, “We are thrilled by the strong showing of community support we received leading up to and at this year’s event. Whether it was through sponsorship, auction donation, or volunteering, the residents of White Rock and South Surrey have been tremendous in helping us put on another successful Gala.”

Speaking on behalf of the Partners in Caring Campaign Cabinet was its Vice-Chair, Jane Manning, who announced that the total raised for the $32 million Campaign had reached the $18 million mark. Also on hand to speak to the over 500 guests in attendance was Chair of the Foundation Board of Directors, Sandy Wightman, who thanked the crowd for their support of the Foundation during its “first” 20 years.

Once again, the evening featured an exquisite dinner prepared by the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver, wine sponsored by the Consulate General of the United States and live music performed by one of Vancouver’s premier bands, “Soulstream”. Event Sponsors included: Brawn, Karras and Sanderson, Barristers and Solicitors; Canaccord Capital Corporation; Prospera Credit Union; RBC Investments – Dragana Sanderson; Shaw Cablesystems; The Peace Arch News and Tech-Web Graphics Ltd.

"Points for People" Supports PAH Maternity Unit

White Rock, BC – Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation is thankful to be the recipient of over $8,700 from Save on Foods – South Point. These funds will go to support the modernization of Peace Arch Hospital’s Maternity Unit – one of the five projects being funded through the Foundation’s Partners in Caring Campaign.

For a third year, Save on Foods – South Point held their Points for People Campaign in support of the hospital’s maternity unit. With nearly 700 babies born at Peace Arch Hospital each year, the hospital must keep up with new medical technologies and ever-increasing patient care needs of our growing community. Between October and December 2007, Save-on Foods customers donated their Save-on More Points to help raise funds for the hospital - with each 1,000 points donated, resulting in a $2 donation from Save-On Foods. “In all more than XXXXXX points were donated by our customers” explained Save-On Foods Community Liaison, Wendy Delaney. Additional funds were also raised with the help of a car wash and advertising provided by Peace Arch News and hot dog sales organized by the Peace Arch Monarch Lions Club. Wendy went onto say “We are thankful to everyone who partnered with us on the campaign and who worked so hard to help us raise funds to support of our local community hospital”.

“This is a prime example of how community support can make a difference in enhancing the quality of care we receive from our local hospital” states Jackie Smith, Executive Director for Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation. “Save on Foods has done an incredible job in fundraising for our hospital in recent years. In doing this they have also helped create awareness throughout our community for the opportunities that exist to support local healthcare programs and services”.

Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation raises money to enhance quality health care in the community of White Rock/ South Surrey.

Partners In Caring Gala to Mark 20th Anniversary of Hospital Foundation

White Rock, BC - Plans for Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation’s 2008 Partners in Caring Gala are well underway for a spectacular evening in celebration of the Foundation’s 20th anniversary. The spectacular charity black-tie affair will take place on Saturday, April 26th at White Rock’s Centennial Park Leisure Centre. Similar to previous years, a who’s who of White Rock and South Surrey is expected to fill the arena in a show of support for quality health care close to home.

Jack Boyce, Foundation Board of Director and the 2008 Partners in Caring Gala Event Chair states, “I am thrilled to be chairing this fantastic event that will help to raise significant funds and awareness for our Partners in Caring Campaign.” He goes on to say, “It is also an exciting year for our Foundation as we celebrate our 20th anniversary.”

Guests should come prepared to enjoy a first-class event. The evening will include an exquisite dinner prepared by the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver, wine sponsored by the Consulate General of the United States, an incredible selection of live and silent auction items and live music performed by one of Vancouver’s premier bands, “Soul Stream”.

This year’s event sponsors include Brawn, Karras, and Sanderson, Barristers and Solicitors, Canaccord Capital Corporation, the Peace Arch News, RBC Investments/Dragana Sanderson, Prospera Credit Union and Tech-Web Graphics Ltd. Excellent sponsorship and auction donation opportunities are still available with exceptional benefit packages tied to each level.

Space is limited for this truly special event. Tickets are $200 per person, or $250 after March 1st. Guests are also able to purchase tables for 10 at a cost of $2,500, which offers priority seating and recognition in the official Event Program.

If you would like to purchase tickets or receive more information on sponsorship and auction donation opportunities, please call the Foundation office at 604.535.4520 or email cheryl.chan@peacearchhospital.com.

Choices Recycling Centre Accepts Containers for Charity

White Rock, BC – Choices Recycling Centre is accepting deposit containers in support of Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation.

Choices Market strives to lessen their impact on the environment and support organizations within the community. Their recycling program allows customers to return all recyclable packaging. Throughout February, for every 100 deposit containers donated, customers will receive a complimentary reusable shopping bag. Proceeds from your container donations will benefit the Partners in Caring Campaign.

To contact Choices Recycling Center call 604.542.3908. For more information on how you or your organization can support Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation, please call 604.535.4520 or email Martha Davis at mdavis@peacearchhospital.com.

Peace Arch Shrine Club Gives to Peace Arch Hospital Maternity Unit

White Rock, BC – On Tuesday, December 4, 2007, members of the Peace Arch Shrine Club, presented a cheque for over $6,800 to Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation.

As supporters of the Foundation since 1989, the Peace Arch Shrine Club has donated almost $120,000 to the Foundation to help with the purchase of priority medical equipment for Peace Arch Hospital. In keeping with the Shrine Club’s mandate to support children’s causes, their most recent donation will be directed toward the modernization of the Hospital’s Maternity Unit, one of the five projects within the Foundation’s Partners in Caring Campaign, which aims to raise more than $30 million for significant enhancements to the hospital.

“We are extremely grateful to have the continued support of the Peace Arch Shrine Club” said Foundation Executive Director, Jackie Smith. “Their generosity over the years has had a tremendous impact on the quality of care that the hospital’s youngest patients receive by helping purchase new medical equipment and funding for facility upgrades”.

The Peace Arch Shrine Club is just one of many community groups who help raise money on behalf of the Foundation each year. In addition, funds are also raised through major and planned gifts, events and other fundraising initiatives around the community. For more information on how your community group or business can support the Foundation’s Partners in Caring Campaign, contact the Foundation office at 604.535.4520 or visit www.peacearchhospital.com .

Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation raises money to enhance quality health care in the community of White Rock/South Surrey.

About Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation is an independent charitable society dedicated to raising money to enhance quality health care for the community of White Rock and South Surrey. Having raised over $50 million to date, the Foundation is committed to ensuring 100 per cent of donor dollars goes directly to capital equipment purchases for Peace Arch Hospital and to fund priority health care initiatives throughout the community. For more information or to make a donation to the Partners In Caring campaign, call 604-535-4520 or visit www.peacearchhospital.com.

Christmas in Morgan Creek Supports Partners in Caring Campaign
December 18, 2007
On Friday, November 23/08, over $8,200 was raised at the annual Christmas in Morgan Creek event, which was hosted by members of the Morgan Creek Homeowners’ Association, in support of Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation’s Partners in Caring Campaign.

With a portion of the ticket sales donated to the Foundation, this event, which included a lunch, a fashion show featuring several local vendors and a silent auction featuring decorated Christmas trees and wreaths raised funds which will be directed toward the modernization of the Hospital’s Maternity Unit, one of the five projects within the Foundation’s Partners in Caring Campaign. The Campaign, which launched earlier this year, aims to raise more than $30 million for significant enhancements to Peace Arch Hospital.

“We are delighted that the Morgan Creek Homeowners’ Association chose to support the Foundation this year” said Foundation Executive Director, Jackie Smith. “The enormous time and effort of the organizing committee and the generosity of those who attended and donated to the event will have a tremendous impact on improving the quality of health care available to our community”.

The Christmas in Morgan Creek event is just one of the many community fundraising events that local businesses and organizations host on behalf of the Foundation each year. In addition, funds are also raised through major and planned gifts, events and other fundraising initiatives around the community. For more information on how your community group or business can support the Foundation’s Partners in Caring Campaign, contact the Foundation office at 604.535.4520 or visit www.peacearchhospital.com.

TB Vets Donation Funds Vital Respiratory Equipment for Peace Arch Hospital
November 7, 2007
TB Vets Charitable Foundation has awarded Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation $10,000 toward the purchase of bronchoscope to improve the delivery of patient care at Peace Arch Hospital.

Peace Arch Hospital’s Respiratory Therapy Department performs approximately 120 to 140 bronchoscope procedures per year on outpatients. Patients come in for this procedure as either a diagnostic tool for cancer, Tuberculosis and various infections relating to pneumonias. It is also used as a clinical tool to help reduce the amount of mucus and mucus plugs in the bronchial tree. Bronchoscopes are also used to remove foreign bodies from the lungs. Items removed from patients have included everything from a tooth, pill package and a screw.

“Access to this new technology at Peace Arch Hospital will not only help staff to cope with increased demand for Bronchoscope procedures, but will also improve the ability of the Respirologist to diagnose and treat patients”. Says Jackie Smith, Executive Director of Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Founation. She goes onto say “We are extremely grateful to receive this support from TB Vets which will help ehance quality care for the community of White Rock/South Surrey.” “All donations to our annual Keytag Campaign stay in BC and we are pleased to be able to give back to the community of White Rock/South Surrey,” said Ron Goyette, General Manager of TB Vets. “Since 1946 we have returned an estimated 180,000 sets of lost keys to their grateful owners and donated over $10 million to help people with respiratory ailments lead healthy and productive lives.”

This is the ninth grant Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation has received from TB Vets since 1989. Previous gifts included more than $30,000 for the purchase of respiratory equipment.

TB Vets is a BC-based registered charity and receives no government funding. Keytag donations allow TB Vets to provide grants to Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation and other BC hospitals for the purchase of vital respiratory equipment. TB Vets also funds local tuberculosis research, supports the training of future Respiratory Therapists, and offers the comfort of a therapeutic Spinoza teddy bear to BC children suffering from respiratory illness. For more information about TB Vets, BC's Keytag Program or how to donate, please call 1-888-874-5626 or visit the website at www.tbvets.org.

Partners in Caring Campaign Off To Record Start - Gala Launch Huge Success

White Rock, BC – Results are in from Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation’s most successful gala to date. The event held May 5 was the launching pad for the organization’s largest-ever fundraising campaign and raised nearly $450,000 in one single night.

Money raised from the event will go toward the Foundation’s $32-million Partners In Caring (PIC) campaign.

“We are thrilled with this show of community support for our hospital and our campaign,” says Sandy Wightman, Board Chair, Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation. “Our community is carrying on a long-standing tradition of stepping up and taking the lead in enhancing quality health care in our community.”

The campaign will raise funds to complete the hospital’s shelled in 5th and 6th floors (adding 56 acute care beds), modernize the maternity ward, add an MRI machine, expand the community-based cardiac rehabilitation facility, and begin planning for a modern, expanded emergency department.

Acknowledging Fraser Health as a strong ally in working together to see Peace Arch Hospital reach its full potential, Wightman also noted two community organizations – the White Rock/South Surrey Foundation and the Peace Arch Hospital Auxiliary Society, as important campaign partners.

“Our residents, community organizations and local businesses have shown their commitment to helping others through a long tradition of caring. Working together as a community is the key to this campaign's success.”

Of almost $450,000 raised at the gala, $63,000 was raised through a live auction. Auction items included a trip for four to Mexico and a private dinner with White Rock Mayor Judy Forster, Surrey Mayor Diane Watts, MLA Kevin Falcon, MLA Gordon Hogg and Global TV personality Mark Madryga, which alone fetched $26,500.

Event sponsors included Brawn, Karras & Sanderson, Barristors and Solicitors; Canaccord Capital; Gateway Pacific Properties; Prospera Credit Union Insurance; RBC Dominion Securities - Karim Jandali; RBC Investments - Dragana Sanderson; Smart!Centres; Shaw; Peace Arch News and Tech-Web Graphics.

About Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation is an independent charitable society dedicated to raising money to enhance quality health care for the community of White Rock and South Surrey. Having raised over $50 million to date, the Foundation is committed to ensuring 100 per cent of donor dollars goes directly to capital equipment purchases for Peace Arch Hospital and to fund priority health care initiatives throughout the community. For more information or to make a donation to the Partners In Caring campaign, call 604-535-4520 or visit www.peacearchhospital.com.

Foundation Launches $32 Million Campaign For Peace Arch Hospital

White Rock, BC – Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation this weekend launched a $32 million fundraising campaign to expand and modernize Peace Arch Hospital. The campaign got off to a strong start at the organization’s annual fundraising gala Saturday night with the announcement that $11.3 million of that goal had already been raised – including a lead gift of $3 million.

Robert Hassell, a long-time community resident, Chairman of the former Hospital Board and Honourary Campaign Chair made the $3 million donation – the largest single gift in the hospital’s history.

Sandy Wightman, Chair of the Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation said the campaign will raise funds to add 56 acute care beds, modernize the maternity ward, add an MRI machine, expand the community-based cardiac rehabilitation facility, and begin planning for a modern, expanded emergency department.

“This is the largest fundraising campaign our community has ever seen,” said Wightman. “We have been in the planning stages for several years now and we are extremely gratified at the support we have received from Fraser Health, from all three levels of government, from our community leaders and from our medical, nursing and other hospital staff.”

“Our hospital urgently needs these improvements and our community has told us in the clearest of terms that they are prepared to step up, open their cheque books and help make this happen.”

Wightman also announced that the Foundation has appointed Tom Kirstein as chair of the campaign. A former mayor of the City of White Rock and founder of KNV Chartered Accountants, Kirstein will head a distinguished list of community leaders who have agreed to serve in the campaign cabinet.

In accepting the chairmanship of the campaign Kirstein noted the high level of commitment residents have toward their hospital. “Our community’s strong tradition of caring provides a solid foundation for this campaign,” said Kirstein.

Kirstein also emphasized the importance of partnerships to the campaign's success, acknowledging Fraser Health as a strong ally in working together to see Peace Arch Hospital reach its full potential.

Kirstein also announced that two community organizations, the White Rock/South Surrey Foundation and the Peace Arch Hospital Auxiliary Society have joined the campaign as partners. With Fraser Health and these two organizations joining the Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation as partners, the fund drive has been named the Partners in Caring campaign.

About Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation

Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation is an independent charitable society dedicated to raising money to enhance quality health care for the community of White Rock and South Surrey. Having raised over $46 million to date, the Foundation is committed to ensuring 100 per cent of donor dollars goes directly to priority medical equipment purchases for Peace Arch Hospital and to fund vital health care initiatives throughout the community. For information on making a donation, call 604-535-4520 or visit www.peacearchhospital.com.

Biographical Notes:

Tom Kirstein, fca Founder of KNV Chartered Accountants, Mr. Kirstein has served as Chair of Surrey Metro Savings and as a board member of Coast Capital Savings, and as Chair of Peace Arch Hospital Society. He co-founded the Canadian Open Sandcastle Competition and served five years as White Rock Alderman and Mayor.

Robert Hassell Robert Hassell has been credited by many as the visionary behind the 1968 opening of the expanded Peace Arch District Hospital. As Chairman of the Hospital Board from 1966, Mr. Hassell spearheaded the campaign from the initial planning stage through to completion of construction. He and his wife Florence are long time Peninsula residents.