More than $330,000 has been raised by the Chinese-Canadian community so far this year in support of Richmond Hospital Foundation.
The money was raised thanks to an outpouring of community support for the foundation's 5th Annual Community Cares Radio-Telethon held Oct. 6.
"We've been overwhelmed by the positive response from the entire community for our Community Cares Day," said Natalie Meixner, Richmond Hospital Foundation president and CEO.
"We greatly expanded the reach of our event this year, and we surpassed all of our goals thanks to the tremendous generosity of donors."
The radio-telethon aired as a partnership between Fairchild Television, Fairchild Radio and CHMB AM1320 to seek community support for Richmond Hospital Foundation. The event highlighted the needs of Richmond Hospital through an exclusive two-hour prime-time special on Fairchild TV across Canada and all-day radio broadcasts.
For the first time, the event also included prominent supporter booths at both Richmond Centre and Aberdeen Centre, as well as a "Street Team" comprised of dozens of volunteers to promote the foundation's cause on the streets of Richmond.
A record number of more than 100 volunteers participated in this year's event.
"The community is rallying behind the needs of Richmond Hospital in increasing numbers because people realize that health care touches everyone," said Paul Oei, committee chair for the event.
"The Chinese-Canadian community is showing tremendous support for Richmond Hospital Foundation, now comprising almost 50 per cent of all donors."
The focus of this year's Community Cares Radio-Telethon included features about the need for upgrades to two minimally invasive surgical suites at Richmond Hospital, improvements for Richmond Hospital's Birth Centre, and supporting Richmond's community of care.
Community Cares Day sponsorship levels were up almost 70 per cent over the previous year. Contributions in support of the Community Cares Day will be accepted until Oct. 31 by phone at 604-244-5252.
