SURREY, B.C. — Hundreds of business leaders, medical professionals, philanthropists, and community supporters gathered on the evening of February 28 for the 9th annual Celebration of Care Gala, an elegant black-tie fundraiser hosted by the Surrey Hospitals Foundation at the Aria Banquet and Conference Centre. Now considered the largest annual fundraising gala in Surrey, the …
SURREY, B.C. — Hundreds of business leaders, medical professionals, philanthropists, and community supporters gathered on the evening of February 28 for the 9th annual Celebration of Care Gala, an elegant black-tie fundraiser hosted by the Surrey Hospitals Foundation at the Aria Banquet and Conference Centre.
Now considered the largest annual fundraising gala in Surrey, the event once again demonstrated the powerful connection between the region’s growing community and the healthcare institutions that serve it. Guests arrived to an atmosphere of celebration and purpose, united around a shared goal: advancing care for families across the rapidly expanding Fraser Health region.
An Evening Dedicated to the Journey of New Life
The theme for this year’s gala, “Journey,” focused on the beginnings of life and the support systems that guide families through pregnancy, childbirth, and early childhood care. Funds raised during the evening will support the Women, Children & Youth pillar of care at Surrey Memorial Hospital.
The initiative specifically aims to strengthen three critical areas of care:
- The Mata Tripta Family Birthing Unit, which supports mothers and newborns during labour and delivery and provides culturally sensitive care for Surrey’s diverse population.
- The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which delivers life-saving technology and specialized care for premature and critically ill infants.
- Expanded family-centred programs designed to help parents and children navigate early health challenges with greater support and confidence.
Throughout the evening, speakers emphasized that these services are essential in a city like Surrey, one of Canada’s fastest-growing urban centres.
A Room Filled with Community Leaders
The gala ballroom at the Aria Convention Centre was filled with nearly 500 guests, reflecting a cross-section of Surrey’s civic, business, and medical leadership. Attendees included hospital staff, corporate sponsors, philanthropists, and volunteers who have played a role in strengthening healthcare in the region.
Presented by Berezan and EllisDon, the evening featured a cocktail reception, a formal three-course dinner, and a dynamic stage program that highlighted stories from patients and healthcare professionals whose lives have been touched by the hospital’s work.
Guests also participated in silent and live auctions, a cornerstone of the foundation’s fundraising efforts, with packages ranging from luxury travel experiences to exclusive dining and entertainment opportunities.
Philanthropy Driving Healthcare Innovation
Events like the Celebration of Care Gala have become a vital funding engine for hospital innovation in Surrey. In recent years, the gala has helped support transformative initiatives — including advanced surgical technology and new specialized programs at Surrey Memorial Hospital.
The hospital itself is one of the busiest in the province and continues to expand to meet the needs of the region’s growing population. The facility provides a wide range of services including emergency care, maternity and pediatric programs, cancer treatment, and specialized surgery.
Foundation leaders noted that philanthropic support helps accelerate projects that directly impact patient care, from modern equipment to new clinical programs.
A Night That Reflects Surrey’s Growth
Beyond the fundraising totals, the evening highlighted something deeper: the spirit of a city investing in its future.
As Surrey continues to grow into one of British Columbia’s largest municipalities, the demand for healthcare services will only increase. Events like the Celebration of Care Gala illustrate how local philanthropy, corporate partnerships, and community engagement can work together to ensure the region’s hospitals are equipped to meet that demand.
By the end of the night, the message from organizers and attendees alike was clear — supporting local healthcare is not just about hospitals, it’s about the wellbeing of every family in the community.
