From every corner of British Columbia and across the nation, people came together in support of Surrey Memorial Hospital, joining forces in a powerful display of generosity in pursuit of a stronger, healthier future.
During this year’s RED FM Gurpurab Radiothon on November 5, listeners, donors, and local businesses came together to support the Regional Robotic Surgery Campaign for Surrey Memorial Hospital, a groundbreaking initiative that will bring the da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgical System to the hospital.
The generosity of the South Asian community shone brightly as people clicked, called, and came in to give. Together, they raised over $500,000 toward the $5.5 million goal, bringing world-class surgical care one step closer to Surrey Memorial Hospital.
“We saw generosity from so many families, businesses, and individuals giving from the heart,” says Kulwinder Sanghera, President of Red FM Radio, Surrey. “People give no matter what they have, when the cause is right.”
The addition of the da Vinci Xi will make Surrey Memorial the first and only hospital south of the Fraser and only the fourth in all of British Columbia to offer robotic-assisted surgery.
Robotic-assisted surgery offers patients smaller incisions, less pain, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery, meaning families can heal together and patients can return to their lives sooner. The program is also expected to free up more than 288 hospital bed days every year, easing pressure on the health care system and helping reduce burnout among medical teams.
“With the integration of the Da Vinci Surgical System, our team at Surrey Memorial Hospital will be empowered to maintain the leadership we have shown in the field of Advanced Minimally Invasive Thoracic and Foregut Surgery. For Surrey Memorial Hospital, embracing cutting-edge technology is essential to delivering exceptional care to our expanding community,” says Dr. Ahmad Ashrafi, Regional Division Head and Chief of Thoracic Surgery for Fraser Health.
Every donation, whether a major gift or one equal to the cost of a cup of coffee, plays a vital role in making a difference. Together, these contributions add up to create lasting impact for patients and families across the region.
“Launching our Robotics Campaign at the 2025 Celebration of Care Gala was a powerful moment for Surrey, with community leaders raising $1.4 million in one evening, followed by a leadership gift from the Ritchie Family. Now, thanks to the generosity of RED FM listeners, we are even closer to our $5.5 million goal to bring the da Vinci Xi to Surrey Memorial Hospital,” said Nicole Robson, President & CEO of Surrey Hospitals Foundation. “The strength of Surrey has always been in how our community rallies to give what it can to elevate care for the entire South Fraser region, and that spirit is what makes this city so special.”
RED FM and its listeners have long stood beside Surrey Hospitals Foundation, now over $10 million, to strengthen health care across Surrey’s health care campuses.
As the officially recognized health care foundation for the City of Surrey, the Surrey Hospitals Foundation continues to build partnerships that lead transformative projects to improve access to advanced specialized care for the growing South Fraser region. The Foundation is continuing its fundraising efforts to reach the $5.5 million goal, with every contribution helping to bring this life-changing technology home to Surrey Memorial Hospital.
About the da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgical System:
The da Vinci Xi is the global gold standard in minimally invasive surgery. It provides surgeons with 3D high-definition visualization, robotic arms with micro-level precision, and improved ergonomics, resulting in safer, more efficient procedures and better outcomes for patients.
For more information, visit surreyhospitalsfoundation.com/innovation.
