Community Champions

Atwal’s Insurance provides insurance coverage for auto, home, business and family needs. The Atwal family epitomizes community spirit. Through their business, they create jobs and prospects, and through their giving, they provide hope and comfort for people by supporting various charitable causes. To the Atwal family, helping others is always front-of-mind.

The Arnold and Anita Silber Family Foundation supports the needs of people, projects and programs primarily in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia and Israel. The Silber Family has been inspired to build community and enhance the well-being and health of others through philanthropy. They are proud to support Surrey Memorial Hospital by providing a legacy of generosity for families seeking medical attention in the Fraser Valley region.

Located in Surrey, Bear Creek Villa is the first premier retirement living community that caters to Surrey residents and their families with care and service. Bear Creek Villa aims to create a unique lifestyle that fully supports the quality of life for their residents. With over 130 independent residences, security and safety of the community is considered their top priority. The staff at Bear Creek Villa provide a care-free retirement living community in which their residents call home.

Berezan Hospitality Group and Berezan Management Ltd. proudly supports a variety of local non-profits and charity organizations. Their values are based on the firm belief that everyone rises, by lifting each other up. They strongly encourage all of their team members to get involved in the communities in which they work, live, and play. Their ‘Volunteer Your Time Program’ provides the team with the tools and support required to spend some time giving back to the local communities.

“I am honoured to work closely with highly skilled and thoughtful individuals, including dedicated medical professionals, support staff and our Professional Board, who are committed to continuously improving healthcare, providing a remarkable experience for our patients and making a lasting difference in people’s lives.” – Ralph Berezan, President and CEO, The Berezan Group

Selling an extensive range of over 1,750 fish and seafood products, Blundell Seafoods is the biggest importer of fresh fish in Canada, and a proud exporter of Canada’s own naturally-abundant delicious fruits of the sea. They are also Canada’s largest salmon processor. Their customers include many well-known national retailers, hotels, and restaurants, as well as some of North America’s premium foodservice, retail and wholesale companies.

The B&B Contracting Group is a leader within the civil construction industry across the Lower Mainland, working in underground utilities, roads, gravels, excavation, and infrastructure projects. Maintaining strong working relationships with reputable engineers, ministry and municipal leaders, general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in the Lower Mainland, the B&B Contracting Group also advocates for community involvement. As a supporter of local charities and various charity events, the B&B Contracting Group understands the value of giving back to the community and how it has greatly contributed to their success.

Bravaya Homes, previously known as Superstar Homes, has been building and creating communities around Metro Vancouver since 2008. The company specializes in single family homes, multi-family projects and land subdivision. As registered members of Pacific Home Warranty and B.C. Housing, President Kevin Johal and Senior Advisor Tarsam Johal have a strong history of delivering high-quality developments. Collectively, the pair has close to 60 years of building experience and they’re known to offer excellent customer service with unbeatable expertise.

“I support the Surrey Hospitals Foundation because it helps so many of Surrey’s residents every day. I support the Surrey Hospitals Foundation because of its great staff. I support the Surrey Hospitals Foundation because they need our support. Remember, this is our city, this our home, and this is our Hospital…it is up to us to take care of it.” – Kevin Johal, President, Bravaya Homes

The Buddha’s Light International Association, commonly known as BLIA, is a monastic and lay organization. BLIA was established by Hsing Yun in 1992. The organization is associated with Fo Guang Shan, the largest Buddhist organization in Taiwan. In 2003, BLIA was granted the NGO association status by the United Nations Economic and Social Council and Department of Public Information.

Coast Capital is committed to building better futures and together with its partners, are contributing to strong, healthy communities and a better world. For over 80 years, Coast Capital is a member-owned cooperative helping their members with their real goals and real challenges so they can live the real life they want today. 

“Equitable access to quality health care and mental health support is crucial to our community. We’re honoured to work with Surrey Hospitals Foundation to create an environment where young people and their families can access these important services close to home” – Coast Capital

Since 1997, the CURE Foundation has been supporting the fight against breast cancer by providing funding for basic and clinical breast cancer research as well as focusing on prevention, treatment, and support. Their vision is to eradicate breast cancer while also honouring those who have been lost to the devastating disease.

For more than 25 years, Drive for the Cure Foundation has raised funds to help support local hospitals and Fraser Valley Cancer Centers. Drive for the Cure Foundation utilizes their proceeds raised from annual events to enhance the health, well-being, and quality of life for those struggling with cancer or neurological illnesses. Donations have helped fund assistance and treatment programs for children and less fortunate families coping with devastating illness and have helped with the purchase of special diagnostic and treatment equipment.

A division of First West Credit Union, Envision Financial is a credit union that offers a one-stop shop for all financial needs. Committed to doing their part in ensuring members, employees and the most vulnerable people in their communities are safe, Envision Financial launched its Community Response Fund.

“Creating capacity and bettering lives in our communities is not just what we do at Envision Financial, its part of who we are. It’s why we support local hospitals—we know that our healthcare system plays an essential part in maintaining healthy, thriving communities.” – Dave Lanphear, President, Envision Financial, a division of First West Credit Union.

FortisBC is a Canadian owned and BC based electricity and natural gas distribution utility. Located in Kelowna, FortisBC delivers natural gas, electricity and innovative energy solutions to their customers focusing on sustainability and prioritizing the health and well-being of their customers, communities, the environment as well as their employees. By putting in more than 100 years of energy knowledge, FortisBC works to create a better tomorrow for BC.

A household name in the South Asian community, Fruiticana has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1994. With more than 18 store locations across BC and Alberta, each store offers their customers a combination of fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables alongside unique culturally specific produce and grocery items.

“Our third child was born in Surrey Memorial Hospital and she’s 19 now. It was a brand new ward at that time… but it needs help. It needs new equipment, it needs better rooms. I always help the community, I never forget the community who supported me for the last 25 years, and that’s why we’re still here. We give it back to the community every year, every month, every day.” – Tony Singh, Founder and President, Fruiticana

A team of professionally licensed Real Estate consultants with full-time commitments, Goldy Kang Group is the top 1% real estate team working with Sutton West Coast Realty. They assist sellers with selling houses for top dollars in the minimum timeframe, and buyers to find ownership of their dream property.

“We support charities in the area, and it makes me very happy to be able to support Surrey Memorial Hospital, and health care in our region. This is only possible because of all our past and present clients. Thank you for being with us and trusting in us. This has truly been instrumental in donating to the hospital and helping build our community”.
– Goldy Kang, Team Leader, Goldy Kang Real Estate Group

Established in 1974, HAL Industries Inc. is a leader in the manufacture and development of protective construction membranes. The company operates 2 manufacturing facilities located within the greater Vancouver area of British Columbia. A progressive quality control program ensures that all its products meet and exceed appropriate industry standards and specifications. HAL Industries Inc. strives to anticipate the future needs of its customers and works to provide solutions to challenges faced in the construction industry.

Bob Hans and his family are steady supporters of Surrey Memorial Hospital. To mark Guru Nanak’s 550th Birthday Celebration in 2019, they created a unique online fundraiser to support the Children’s Health Centre campaign. They continue in that tradition with regular donations and by encouraging others to share their earnings in keeping with the teachings of Guru Nanak.

“We know that everyone, especially the children in our community, need more high-quality medical services closer to home. I consider myself very lucky and fortunate to be able to give back and contribute to our local healthcare, right here in Surrey.”
– Bob Hans, Founder, Hans Group

Harvey had a radiant personality, a contagious smile and a determination for life, knowledge and adventure. He was a graduate of L.A. Matheson Secondary and a Civil Engineering student at UBC. Sadly, he passed away far too soon. His family has established the Harvey Sohi Foundation to commemorate his legacy and build on his values of innovation, inclusion, community and education.

The Holiday Home Tour for Hope is a self-guided tour of homes from White Rock through South Surrey to Crescent Beach, decorated by local designers and décor sponsors. Despite not being able to do in-person home tours like they usually do, their determination and creativity helped raise a very generous amount amidst a pandemic. They did this by pivoting from in-person tours to the production of a glossy, high-quality magazine, along with the support they sought from several key donors. Their success just shows what a tour de force their team is and how beloved the Home Tours are to the community.

The ITC Construction Group is an award-winning industry leader in the construction of residential high rises, mixed-used developments and select commercial projects in Western Canada. Since inception in 1983, the organization has built its success on the foundational values of Integrity, Trust and Commitment. As one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, ITC focuses on making valuable contributions to the communities they build in. In everything they do – Quality Counts.

Second Cup started as a small kiosk at a shopping mall in 1975, and has since grown to over 325 specialty coffee cafes across Canada. From their humble beginnings selling only whole bean coffee, they have continued towards their goal of being the Canadian specialty coffee brand of choice. Giving back is also a big part of Second Cup’s business plans. At Second Cup, “every sip is responsible” (Rainforest Alliance Certified and fairly traded coffee) and Jack and Dave (founders) follow that business model, giving back to their community. By serving Fair Trade Coffee™ they are helping to ensure that sustainable environmental farming is being sponsored along with farmers and growers in developing countries.

Khalsa Credit Union provides financial services while focusing on the empowerment of the Sikh community in British Columbia. Committed to Sikh values and supporting the community, Khalsa Credit Union aims to build prosperity for their members, the community and the environment.

Kirmac’s charitable program, Kirmac Cares for Kids, raises money to help the children of BC through contributing funds towards Children’s Foundations. A portion of Kirmac’s earned income from every repair along with generous donations from customers, employees, and business partners has helped them raise over $3 million dollars since 2010.

The fundamental principle of Lark has always been to serve their communities. The Lark Group aims to build spaces focused on state of the art technology, health care, medical expertise, care facilities, hospitals, housing projects and recreational facilities that provide centres for their communities to grow and flourish. Lark aims to develop and support people in the community through the best in health care technology, including brain health clinics, first responder support, training and education, and the most advanced medical and clinical care available to those who need it. Their DNA is their people, and the communities they serve.

The Loyal Protestant Association first started in 1909 and was incorporated in 1931. The Association is one of the oldest charities in the province of BC and founded the CKNW Orphans’ Fund, a significant and high-profile charity in BC. The Association is a NPO charitable organization that gives out grants to other charitable organizations.

Based in Surrey, McQuarrie LLP is a multi-practice law firm with a long-standing active role in the community. Since 1967, McQuarrie has delivered innovative result-oriented legal solutions from business law and land development to insurance denial and estates. 

“We are proud to support the Surrey Hospitals Foundation and their initiative to start an IR program at Surrey Memorial Hospital. We have a strong commitment in supporting the communities where we work and live in and contributing to the advancement of health care is one way we hope to make an impact.” – Dan Moseley, Managing Partner at McQuarrie LLP

Mingde College, an independent college which enrolls undergraduate students, was established by Guizhou University in June 2001. Mingde College is dedicated to cultivating professionals with practical abilities through a full-time comprehensive college program.

“During the last year, many students and their families came forward to offer their ideas, efforts and resources in order to help the neediest. After a lot of brainstorming between both the branches (Surrey and Richmond), we decided to come up with a fundraiser to support a great hospital that was at the forefront of this battle. By donating to Surrey Memorial, we are happy to take the lead, putting all of our love and concerns to where it is needed the most. We hope institutions, students, and community come together and work with each other during this time of crisis. This is what we strive for as an educational institution, a bridge between students and their pursuit, for a meaningful life.

As a Director of an educational institution, there have been many times when I have had to take students to the emergency department at Surrey Memorial Hospital. The doctors are very professional and the waiting time is much shorter than other hospitals. I had a really good experience in this hospital. This is another reason why we raised funds for Surrey Memorial Hospital.” – Yusen Lian, Director, Mingde College

Since 2012, Music Heals Charitable Foundation has raised awareness and funds to increase access to music therapy for vulnerable Canadians. Music Heals supports a wide range of music therapy services in communities in BC and across Canada. They increase access to music therapy for patients in children’s hospitals, senior’s centres, palliative care, AIDS & HIV programs, at-risk youth, rehabilitation, and bereavement support. To date, Music Heals has funded over 32,000 music therapy sessions for Canadians in need.

Music Heals is a not-for-profit society incorporated in British Columbia and is registered with Canada Revenue Agency as a charitable foundation.

The Muslim Business Council of British Columbia focuses on the interests of the business community, professionals, and students who work and live in British Columbia. Established in 2008, the organization currently represents approximately 100 businesses, professionals and students. The Muslim Business Council participates in roundtable meetings, working committees, and conferences in order to stay informed about current developments and stay connected with other business leaders and government. Working together, they also participate in Sadaqah Jariyah or ceaseless charity, supporting hospitals and other charitable causes throughout the lower mainland.

With humble origins serving family-style ethnic meals out of a small restaurant in Burnaby, Nana’s Kitchen was established in 2000 in Surrey by two sisters to serve their famous pastry items. Since 2019, Shelina Mawani and her husband, Nawaz Mawani, fully own and operate Nana’s Kitchen which produces convenient comfort foods inspired by the culture and the kitchen memories of grandmothers all over the globe. The company’s mission is to create “convenient comfort foods with a global taste.” Nana’s Kitchen keeps sustainability in mind by sourcing from local suppliers.

“The simplest acts of kindness are far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.” – Shelina Mawani, owner, Nana’s Kitchen

Ocean Trailer is comprised of Western Canada’s Trailer Specialists who provide trailer sales, rentals, leasing, repairs, and parts to customers across Canada. They are Canada’s original and still only complete one-stop trailer shop.

Formed when the non-denominational church, Open Bible Chapel, closed its doors after the profitable sale of land, the newly formed Open Bible Chapel Foundation now continues to create interest that can be used to support charitable work aligned with the group’s giving pillars and values. Through the years, Open Bible Chapel Foundation has gained a reputation for being different, through its philosophy of opening its doors to anyone in need. Giving back has been a rewarding experience and has demonstrated how one act of generosity leads to another. Matching gift campaigns are a near and dear form of giving for Gordon Krogel, Chair of the OBC Foundation.

Pacific Blue Cross Health Foundation has a pledge to fund and support our Children’s Health Campaign. Their support will allow new clinics to be added and Neurology, Cardiology & Nephrology (kidney) services to be expanded. Surrey Memorial Hospital has our region’s children’s emergency department, one of only two in British Columbia, and the only health facility in the Fraser Valley dedicated to children’s health and paediatric emergencies.

Pacific Blue Cross allocates an annual endowment to their Health Foundation to support programs that are making a difference in communities where they live, work, and play. The Health Foundation Board, comprised of Directors from the Pacific Blue Cross Board and Pacific Blue Cross employees, meets three times a year to review funding applications.

PCI Developments is a privately owned real estate developing and investing company based in Vancouver, B.C. They are guided by their core values of integrity, discipline, vision, and innovation. Since its inception in 1982, PCI Developments has invested in and developed over 6 million square feet of real estate, including some of Metro Vancouver’s most prominent urban landmarks. For over three decades, their unwavering commitment to their core values has yielded some of Metro Vancouver’s most notable developments, often involving innovative solutions for highly complex sites.

The Peak Group of Companies is a leader in home improvement and is among the fastest-growing firms in our industry. Comprising Peak Products and Peak Services, the Peak Group of Companies is an industry leader in home improvement throughout Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand. Peak is a valued partner of Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement retailer. At Home Depot, one can find Peak products to serve the do-it-yourself, do-it-for-me, and professional customer.

Peterson began as a single building in Vancouver and has now expanded into diverse areas of expertise in the real estate industry across North America. In the last decade, Peterson has formed collaborative partnerships to bring iconic developments to life such as the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver and the Shangri-La in Toronto. Peterson began and still remains a family owned and operated business.

PLK Holding (franchisee of Popeyes) was founded by Shakeel Ahmed and Farhan Abbas in 2013. They started the organization with two Popeyes restaurants in Mississauga, Ontario. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen offers mouth-watering crunch and juicy fried chicken bursting with Louisiana flavor. From two locations, PLK Holding Inc started to expand its footprint in Alberta and British Columbia and successfully launched Popeyes in 2016 and 2018 respectively. With over 30 locations, PLK Holding has become a prominent franchisee of Popeyes within Canada and continues to expand with a target to open 40 locations in BC (75 locations across 3 provinces by 2024).

Qualico is an industry-leading integrated real estate company operating in Western Canada and the United States. Established in Winnipeg in 1951 by Dr. David and Katherine Friesen, Qualico still stands as a family-owned company today but now with a strong mix of diversified business verticals including single-family and multi-family home building, commercial development and leasing, land acquisition and development, property management, and building materials supply and services. Being one of the largest privately-owned real estate companies in Western Canada, Qualico continues to work to improve the communities they serve through philanthropy and innovation.

The Step-Down and Step-Out Program, a new program supported by RBC Foundation, is designed to provide a program for youth and families to get the mental health services they need in Surrey, Abbotsford and the Tri-Cities. The leveraging impact of this program offered throughout communities has a truly positive and phenomenal impact.

The mission of RBC Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the community by supporting non-profit organizations that make a positive difference and promote diversity. They are guided by their purpose to help their clients thrive and communities prosper. It mobilizes them to create meaningful value in everything they do as a bank, but also in ways that extend beyond their walls. Their approach fuses together all of their collective resources, talents, and connections and enables them to bring people together in a common cause to make positive change. This includes working with their community partners, subject matter experts, and the public and private sectors to promote and celebrate inclusion and vibrancy in their communities.

Royal Canadian Legion was founded by Veterans and for Veterans. With 1,350 branches from coast to coast to coast, they advocate for the care and benefits of all who served Canada, regardless of when or where they served. The Legion also provides representation and assistance to veterans, including currently serving Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP, and their families. Access to their services is available to them at no cost. Whether they are helping local Veterans, supporting seniors, providing youth sports programs, raising funds, volunteering to help those in need, or simply offering a place to gather for fun and celebration, Legionnaires provide essential services in their communities.

Sabzi Mandi Supermarket is a 100% family-owned and operated premier grocery store chain in British Columbia who values customer happiness and developing a prosperous neighbourhood.

“It is necessary to provide the support needed to Surrey Memorial Hospital as not only is it the only hospital in the city but one that also supports the second largest city in BC. During the times we are currently living in, it is important to support our hospitals and front line workers that are doing everything they can to help during this Pandemic. Being Essential service ourselves, I can only imagine what our front line workers are going through on a day to day basis. I commend them for their effort and commitment.

I became further attached to Surrey Memorial Hospital during the time my grandfather was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it but it wasn’t due to a lack of effort on the part of Doctors and staff by any means. They did everything possible and I really appreciate how they kept us informed and how they supported our family through a tough time.”
– Aman Narula, Vice President, Sales & Franchise Development, Sabzi Mandi Supermarket

Saint Mary’s Health Foundation aims to carry on the work of the former Saint Mary’s Hospital Foundation by helping health care providers continue the compassionate care and high standards maintained by Saint Mary’s Hospital for over 117 years. This charitable society supports patient care by allocating funds from its investments to hospitals and health providers, within New Westminster and the surrounding area, on an annual basis.

Sanjha Vehra approached Surrey Hospitals Foundation in 2013 with a $25,000 donation, which they contributed towards the purchase of the SPY Elite Camera for the Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre’s Breast Health Clinic. Since then, they have continued to support the Breast Health Clinic and various equipment purchases totalling their donations near the $100,000 mark. In 2005, the Sanjha Vehra began its annual event in support of raising funds to help breast cancer research. Five of the founding members of the Sanjha Vehra Women’s Association were diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. Every year since then, the Association continues fundraising as a tribute to these survivors. Their dedication and commitment towards this cause is an inspiration and motivation for all of us at the Foundation.

Sanjha Vehra is an international women’s association that has been in operation since 2002. It began with a group of women who started a “kitty party”. Kitty refers to the funds collected at the party, and every member contributes a certain sum of money each month. At these kitty parties, Sanjha Vehra provides a safe and inviting place for South Asian women to meet together to exchange ideas and discuss issues relating to their participation in Canadian Society. There are now Sanjha Vehra associations in Edmonton, Mississippi, and Dallas.

Scotiabank is a leading bank in the Americas. Guided by the purpose: “for every future”, they help their customers, their families and their communities achieve success through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. Knowing the importance of a healthy, vibrant community, Scotiabank works in ways that benefit their communities, customers and stakeholders. Their dedicated team approach strives to include social, economic, environmental and ethical considerations in their everyday business decisions. Through numerous efforts, they continue steady progress towards their CSR goals and remain focused on introducing new initiatives with the aim of strengthening local communities.

Seaboard Self Storage is Surrey’s premier Storage Facility and Business Centre. Established in 1997, their service is personalized, and they offer more choices and more flexibility. Owned and operated by two local families, Seaboard is a part of their community and intends to support it in the best ways it can. With more than 20 years of business, and with growth that has doubled their storage capacity, their success is a direct reflection of their commitment to the community.

“We are very proud of supporting Surrey Memorial Hospital. It makes our staff and myself very good about our donation.” Ron Zeeman, General Manager, Seaboard Self-Storage

The community joined together with local Shoppers Drug Mart and its team for one of the most successful fundraising efforts to support women’s health initiatives, here in Surrey. Donations to the SHOPPERS LOVE. YOU. 2020 Growing Women’s Health campaign support the Breast Health Clinic at Surrey Memorial Hospital. The annual campaign is national in scope, yet locally based, with patients, customers, and employees donating directly to charitable organizations in their community to ensure that resources and programming are available to meet the needs of women across the country.

The SHOPPERS LOVE. YOU. Growing Women’s Health campaign is a four-week program held across Canada each fall. In support of leading women’s health organizations, customers, staff and Associate-Owners at over 1,360 Shoppers Drug Mart/Phamaprix/Home Health Care locations raised funds through the purchase of the Growing Women’s Health paper icons. Since 2002, the Growing Women’s Health campaign has raised more than $35 million for Canadian health charities. The LOVE YOU by Shoppers Drug Mart™ program works together with local charities to help advance women’s health and provide support systems for women to feel their best. To date, they’ve raised over 74 million dollars to support women’s health initiatives in their communities.

SSR Cedar & Roofing Supplies is a family run organization dedicated to serving their customers’ needs with quality products and face to face service. They serve the needs of all customers whether they are a homeowner or contractor. SSR Cedar relies on the same principles that have contributed to its substantial growth over the last 20 years of service.

The Surrey Fire Fighters Association has had a proud tradition of serving the community since 1957 and with the support from the City of Surrey and the Surrey Fire Service, the Association administers the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society. The Charitable Society is 100% volunteer based working to provide charitable programs that will benefit those in the community. Since 1993, Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society has contributed over $2 million in support of high-tech, innovative health care at Surrey Memorial Hospital. With every dollar raised going back to the community, the Charitable Society has been changing lives in Surrey since it was founded in 1994.

The Surrey Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is a group of community members who give thousands of hours annually to support health care in the Surrey community. They continue to raise funds for the hospital by running a thrift store, two gift shops, a lottery booth, and a supplies cart that goes around for patients who are unable to get to the stores for necessities. The Auxiliary has been there for the hospital even before Surrey Memorial existed. Their efforts during the 1940s and ’50s paved the way for construction to begin, and they have been helping ever since. The Auxiliary, now comprised of more than 150 community volunteers, has given more to the hospital foundation than any other charitable group over the years.

Ron and Maria Martini, well-known Hospital philanthropists from Langley, and owners of Starline Windows & Martini Film Studios. Starline Windows is a manufacturer and installer of high-performance glazing systems designed specifically for all categories of residential and hospitality projects including new developments, renovations, and restorations. They have been in business for over 50 years and have successfully completed glazing contracts for thousands of projects throughout Western North America, from California to British Columbia and Alberta. Starline Windows are committed to their customer and to providing exceptional value for the highest quality glazing systems available.

Since 1946, TB Vets has been at the forefront of respiratory care in British Columbia. Beginning with the outbreak of tuberculosis following World War II to the current COVID-19 pandemic, TB Vets is dedicated to helping and transforming lives by funding critical respiratory equipment, research, and education. For 75 years, TB Vets has helped over 2.7 million patients, from newborns with specialized breathing equipment to advanced life support for trauma patients.

The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its subsidiaries are collectively known as TD Bank Group (“TD” or the “Bank”). TD is the sixth largest bank in North America by branches and serves over 26 million customers in three key businesses operating in a number of locations in financial centres around the globe. TD also ranks among the world’s leading online financial services firms, with more than 14 million active online and mobile customers. Launched in 2018, the TD Ready Commitment is a corporate citizenship platform by TD Bank Group and is premised on the belief that everyone – no matter who they are or where they come from – should be given the chance to succeed in a world that is constantly changing. The TD Ready Commitment community giving is based on four main pillars of financial security, environment, connected communities, and better health. Through the TD Ready Commitment, TD is targeting C$1 billion by 2030 towards community giving, of which TD has already donated millions to organizations in the Pacific Region since 2018.

The Teal-Jones Group is the largest privately owned timber harvesting and primary lumber product manufacturing company in British Columbia. In 1946, following his return from World War II, Jack Jones, founder of the original company, established a one-man cedar roofing mill company operating on the West Coast of Canada. Now wholly owned by sons Tom and Dick Jones, the company prides itself on its commitment to the ongoing health and sustainability of not only our forests and our environment, but of the community as well.

Telus is a telecommunications company that provides a wide range of communications products and services while also being Canada’s largest healthcare IT provider. They are a diverse group, passionate about creating success for their customers, shareholders, communities and their team. For more than 100 years, TELUS has been delivering innovative telecommunications solutions to Canadians. Their dedication to improving the lives of Canadians has helped them spread their roots from British Columbia and Alberta to across Canada.

Their long-standing commitment to put customers first fuels every aspect of their business. Driven by their passionate social purpose to connect all Canadians, their meaningful and enduring philosophy to give where they live has inspired their team members and retirees to contribute more than $736 millions and over 1.4 million days of service since 2000. Their stakeholders provide a diversity of input to inform their sustainability strategy, validate priorities and identify emerging issues.

One of the largest donations towards the Surrey Hospitals Foundation COVID-19 Response Fund, the Frontline Fund’s generous contribution of over $100,000 is helping us be unstoppable in our commitment to our COVID-19 patients, our community, and our front-line workers. Surrey Memorial Hospital is one of the busiest COVID-19 treatment centres in Canada, and it needs as much assistance as can be provided. This funding has and will continue to support Surrey Memorial Hospital and front-line staff with the immediate and ongoing needs throughout the pandemic; such as purchasing essential equipment, mental health support, COVID-19 research studies, patient comfort items, among other things.

The Frontline Fund was created by leaders in the health care fundraising sector who formed a national coalition to help leading Canadian hospitals and foundations raise urgently needed funds to support the highest priority needs of participating hospital foundations, including COVID-19 support and support for the Northern Territories and Indigenous health. The goal is to provide Canadians with an easy, streamlined way to support hospitals in the form of financial assistance. The hope of this national collaborative effort is to raise awareness for this urgent need and to provide an easy, one-stop solution for Canadian individuals and businesses who want to help.

The Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation of Canada was founded by their CEO, Mr. Gary Ho, in 1992 under the inspiration of Dharma Master Cheng Yen to inaugurate Tzu Chi’s good works in Canada. From the national head office in Vancouver, BC, Tzu Chi Foundation Canada’s regular donors and volunteers have expanded their unconditional love and contributions across the nation through the missions of charity, medicine, education, culture, international relief, and environmental care. Currently, Tzu Chi Canada has over 40,000 regular donors and over 2200 volunteers with 9 offices coast to coast. In the past 22 years, volunteers of Tzu Chi Foundation Canada have brought the essence of Buddhism into practice by delivering charitable and humanitarian services to 81 distinct projects dedicating to the constant and active service for seniors and other people with disadvantages.

Van-Kam Freightways Ltd. was founded in 1947 by Robert Henry Sr. originally as Vancouver Kamloops Freight lines Ltd. Over 70 years later, Van Kam continues to flourish as a proudly independent BC family-owned and operated business that provides transportation solutions equipped to service all transportation needs within British Columbia and Alberta, as well as regular service to Eastern Canada and the continental United States.

Van-Kam Freightways Ltd. is committed to giving back to the communities in which they serve. Their contributions are made through donations to local non-profit organizations. These investments build into the communities in which they live and work and are a reflection of the way they seek to conduct their business, which is with care and consideration. They recognize their social responsibility to better the lives of their customers, employees and communities and to inspire others to do the same. Van Kam is proud and honored to contribute in this way and to develop more opportunities and aid for those in need. 

Van Gogh Designs is a local business success story that was started in 1993 by a group of hard-working entrepreneurs with specialized skills in woodworking and upholstery. Now more than 25 years later, the company grew out of its original 5,000 square foot warehouse to a larger 100,000 square foot facility in South Surrey, employing more than 100 staff.

“We are proud to support the Surrey Hospitals Foundation and our staff are incredibly excited to contribute and do our part in helping improve the wellbeing of frontline healthcare workers. “We believe in giving back to the local communities and this is one way we can show health care workers, especially during this pandemic, how much their hard work means to us.” Jeet Dhindsa, President and CEO of Van Gogh Designs.

In 1927, the original Variety Club was formed by 11 businessmen involved in the entertainment industry. This group discovered an abandoned infant in one of their theatres and decided to raise her together. This alliance developed into an organization that puts children first. Their first chapter in British Columbia was established in 1966 and to this day, Variety  continues to raise millions of dollars to help children and families across the province.

Virk Viyas and Associate Lawyers is a full service Surrey-based law firm assisting individuals and corporations with their varied business and personal legal matters. Sonia and Jagmeet are a brother and sister duo who believe that every legal matter deserves a tailor-made solution. With over 20 years of combined legal experience, they believe in forming long term and ongoing relationships with their clients by understanding the environment and contexts in which their clients conduct their business in order to provide thoughtful and practical legal advice.

Sonia Virk is currently on the Board of Directors for the Surrey Hospital Foundation as a public representative. She is very active in the community and donates her time to various community-related events.

Since their establishment in 1990, Wanson Group has been creating quality homes throughout the Lower Mainland. Characterized by innovative and functional designs, Wanson Group consistently delivers an exceptional value and ownership experience. Supporting the community and helping it thrive has been a core value of Wanson Group. The community is the reason they do what they do. They believe in supporting those around them through financial contributions and partnerships with different programs and causes.

“Our commitment is to create value for the community, such as investing into the growth of the City of Surrey. With Surrey Memorial Hospital serving as a major medical facility in the Lower Mainland’s fastest growing city, we want to do what we can to help. That’s why we’re proud to support the Hospital Foundation, and give to those who already contribute so much to our community.”
-Wanson Group & the Lloyd & Jay Foundation

Following the direction of its founder, Mr. and Mrs. P.A. Woodward, the Mr. and Mrs. P.A. Woodward’s Foundation strives to benefit the health and welfare of British Columbians with the Board focusing its activities in the health field. The Mr. and Mrs. P.A. Woodward’s Foundation’s primary goal is to make a difference in the care of British Columbians by relieving suffering and advancing health. Since 1953, the foundation has approved over $50 million in grants.