Community Champions

Ralph and Lorraine Berezan of the Berezan Group are long-standing supporters of Surrey Memorial Hospital. They were also title co-sponsors of our 5th Annual Celebration of Care Gala in February 2020. To support the resilience and commitment of the frontline staff working amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Berezan Group sponsored free tea and coffee to all staff at Surrey Memorial Hospital for one month. During such an uncertain time, this thoughtful gesture went a long way.

Berezan Hospitality group is a family run business that provides an insurmountable experience and highly personalized guest service. Offering a stellar ski resort, gaming and casino fun, liquor stores, accommodations, and a pub specializing in over 100 types of craft beer, the Berezan Hospitality Group promises to turn good days into great days.

Berezan Hospitality Group and Berezan Management Ltd. Proudly support 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. The group is quick to respond to emergency situations both globally and locally. 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

Bravaya Homes donated a Pediatric Ultrasound for the Pediatric Emergency Department at Surrey Memorial Hospital. Since 43% of BC’s children live within the geographic boundaries serviced by the Children’s Health Centre at Surrey Memorial Hospital, this important medical equipment will benefit more than 80% of our pediatric admissions requiring IV access.

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.

We have a couple of different approaches when it comes to social responsibility and giving. Firstly, the number one reason why we give is to help others. Recently we donated a Pediatric Ultrasound machine to Surrey Memorial Hospital. After speaking to so many great people at the Surrey Hospitals Foundation, we know that this machine will help so many children and may save them some pain when having an IV put in. Secondly, after talking with the staff at Surrey Hospitals Foundation, we realised they depend heavily on the community to give. As being a born and raised Surrey resident, we felt that giving back to our community was important for us. The Surrey Memorial Hospital services all Surrey Residents in need of medical attention, and with our growing community they will need our help to continue to be a great Hospital. Our last approach to giving back is to set an example for our youth. Surrey is full of great young people who will be the future of our City. We want them to know you can make a difference in our community. Remember, amount of your donation does not matter, the only thing that matters is that you gave back to your community and you made it a better place. 

“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

Taking swift action to protect some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, Envision Financial, a long-time supporter of SHF, committed $10,000 towards the COVID-19 Response Fund.  Recognizing the incredible bravery demonstrated by healthcare workers in selflessly supporting the community through the COVID-19 pandemic, this timely donation helped the hospital and front line staff with immediate and crucial necessities.   

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.

Envision Financial has a strong commitment to its communities and continues to contribute to non-profit and charitable organizations through various community partnerships, sponsorships, donations and in-kind support. To support efforts during the on-going COVID crisis, First West launched a response fund, which has bestowed $600,000 in community grants to charities in regions served by First West. These grants support charitable organizations focused on addressing food security and basic needs for youth, families and seniors impacted by COVID-19.

Fruiticana, an ardent supporter of Surrey Hospitals Foundation, ran two in-store fundraising campaigns (Diwali and Vaisakhi), to raise funds for the Children’s Health Centre. The campaign was executed in 16 Fruiticana locations. Fruiticana, with the support of their employees and customers, were able to raise a generous sum of $100,000 to assist with the transformation of the Children’s Health Centre at Surrey Memorial as part of the Children’s Health Centre Campaign. 

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.

Fruiticana is much more than a grocery store. Although it is a wonderful source of fresh fruits and vegetables, more importantly, it is a beacon of celebration of our vibrant multi-cultural society. For over 25 years, Fruiticana has given back to the community through numerous philanthropic initiatives, programs for children and youth, and advocacy for social causes. With over 500 employees, Fruiticana continues to make a positive impact in the lives of many in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. From sponsoring community events to philanthropic initiatives, the Fruiticana family gives back to the community and is a role model to many.

“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

As part of Lowe’s Canada’s commitment to support associates and communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lowe’s stores across Surrey, White Rock, Langley and Abbotsford ran in-store campaigns and contributed generously to the Surrey Hospitals Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund. Lowe’s response to the pandemic has been progressive and thoughtful, benefitting people with everything from emergency medical care to food supplies.

Lowe’s Canada is a home improvement company servicing over 470 corporate and affiliated dealer stores across Canada. With a distinct product and service, industry-leading omni channel capacities and complementary store formats ranging from neighbourhood hardware stores to big box stores, their Lowe’s, RONA, Reno-Depot and Dick’s Lumber banners are perfectly equipped to meet the needs of all DIYers and contractors. Their 26,000 employees in Canada constantly seek to satisfy their customers and put their hearts into making a difference in the communities they serve.

Lowe’s has a history and passion for supporting the communities where they live and work. Lowe’s sustainability strategy focuses on responsible sourcing; safer and more eco-friendly product offerings; maintaining a diverse, healthy, engaged and skilled workforce; supporting local communities; and operating ethically and responsibly. In the month of September, Lowe’s ran the Lowe’s Canada Heroes campaign, which gave employees the opportunity to get involved in their communities by supporting a local non-profit organization or public school of their choosing. Throughout September, employees raised money in stores to help these organizations fulfill their mission or carry out a specific project. At the end of the campaign, Lowe’s Canada matched 50% of customer donations, up to $2,000 per store.

A generous and heartfelt donation of $10,000 was made by the owners of Nana’s Kitchen on behalf of the Nana’s Family of proud workers towards the Children’s Health Centre at Surrey Memorial Hospital.  

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. 

Nana’s Kitchen produces convenient comfort foods inspired by the culture, caring and 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.

Inspired by women, the community and the power of giving, the founders of Nana’s Kitchen believe in supporting the community to make meaningful social change.

Surrey has a special place in Nana’s Kitchen’s heart. Two decades ago, the founder’s youngest child required medical care that was offered only in Vancouver at the time. They understand what a hardship this can be on local families and want to support pediatric services here in Surrey, where over 43% of BC’s children live.

The quote below very aptly captures Shelina’s philosophy or thought behind giving;

“The simplest acts of kindness are far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.”

Sabzi Mandi Supermarket ran an in-store fundraising campaign to support the Covid-19 Response Fund. The campaign ran across 9 Sabzi Mandi Supermarket locations, raising a total of $11,000.
The purpose of this gift, as part of the Covid-19 Response Fund, is to help support capital purchases for the hospital, health, wellness & nutrition initiatives for front line workers, and other needs as identified by the hospital team as this pandemic progresses.

Sabzi Mandi Supermarket is a 100% family-owned and operated premier grocery store chain in British Columbia. They carry fresh fruits and vegetables, and a wide selection of groceries, specialty groceries, along with a wide range of household items and cooking appliances. Presentation of products is intuitive, easy to find, and placed in a manner to shorten the search time and ensure an enjoyable shopping experience.

Customer happiness is the foundation of everything they do. Their employees are well informed and trained to offer exceptional customer service and a premium shopping experience. Anyone who walks into the store, even if it is for the first time, feels the warmth and experiences the ease of shopping. It is their commitment to bring the freshest produce and best quality products to their customers; that they source from the best producers and vendors locally, regionally, and internationally.

They recognize that businesses must invest beyond their business interests to create a prosperous neighborhood. Therefore, they support local charities and organizations working for the all-round development of the community.

“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

To support the Children’s Health Centre at Surrey Memorial Hospital, Scotiabank is matching donations up to $50,000 from October 15 to November 15, 2020. The Children’s Health Centre at Surrey Memorial Hospital is the only health facility in the Fraser Valley dedicated to children’s health and paediatric emergencies.

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.

“At Scotiabank, we believe that investing in young people in the community is the path to community prosperity. By supporting the Children’s Health Centre at Surrey Memorial Hospital, we are investing in the health and well-being of young people, ensuring long-term security, stability, and growth of our future.”

TD generously supported Surrey Hospitals Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund with a donation of $10,000, specifically geared towards the Staff Nutrition and Wellness program. Our medical teams are a key resource to help fight this pandemic.  Providing free meals throughout the pandemic not only helps them physically, it also provides emotional and psychological support during this critical time.

Surrey Memorial Hospital has just under 1500 staff members during day shifts and approximately 550 night shift staff.  The Nutrition and Wellness program was made available to the whole team. 

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: Canadian Retail, including TD Canada Trust, TD Auto Finance Canada, TD Wealth (Canada), TD Direct Investing, and TD Insurance; U.S. Retail, including TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, TD Auto Finance U.S., TD Wealth (U.S.), and an investment in TD Ameritrade; and Wholesale Banking, including TD Securities. 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:

Financial Security

Environment [Vibrant Planet]

Connected Communities

Better Health

Giving in these four key areas is critical for supporting changes, nurturing progress, and contributing to making the world a better, more inclusive place. 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.

“At TD, we are proud to stand with Surrey’s amazing health-care professionals who for months have been on the front line, working tirelessly to fight the spread of COVID-19,” said Gurjiv Chahil, District Vice President, TD. “They are our heroes. And, we want them to know how grateful we are for their ongoing service and commitment to their community and patients.”

Telus is a telecommunications company that provides a wide range of communications products and services, including wireless, data, Internet protocol (IP), voice, television, entertainment and video, and is 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.

Telus is among many other Canadian companies to advance progress toward the 17 United Nations SDGs in partnership with the Global Compact Network Canada. The SDGs include transformative global targets that intend to shape policy development, organizational strategy and stakeholder engagement through 2030. Their focus is on SDG 3, 4, 11, 13 and 17.

The Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation of Canada was one of the first donors to donate $50,000 to Surrey Hospitals Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund. Supporting healthcare in the community, this donation amount is crucial and much appreciated during these unprecedented times. These funds were raised from the Members of the Tzu Chi Foundation and will allow healthcare teams to provide the very best care during COVID-19.

Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation, 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 including Vancouver, Richmond, Surrey, Calgary, Toronto, Mississauga, Richmond Hill, Montreal, and Ottawa.

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.  By cooperating with local community organizations and service facilities, Tzu Chi volunteers have been dedicated to the constant and active service for seniors and other people with disadvantages. In BC alone, an average of 108 Tzu Chi volunteers provide services every single day.

In addition, by donating to hospital fundraising projects, bursary programs and breakfast programs in school districts, Tzu Chi Foundation Canada supports hospital patients and underprivileged students. Tzu Chi volunteers have been recognized by local governments in Canada as responsible and compassionate citizens throughout the country.

Head-quartered in Surrey, Van-Kam Freightways was one of the early donors to the COVID-19 Response Fund. They donated $10,000 to solely support Surrey Memorial Hospital’s front-line teams.

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. Van-Kam Freightways Ltd. is a privately-held asset based transportation solutions provider 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.

Wanson group donated $10,000 through Lloyd and Jay Foundation, their charitable arm, towards Surrey Hospitals Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund. This generous donation to the fund has and will continue to support the hospital and front-line staff with immediate and ongoing needs throughout the pandemic.

For over a decade, 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. From the first duplex they built on West 8th Avenue in 1990, to the hundreds of homes that followed, their vision for every community is to place an emphasis on quality and long-term value. They believe that by focusing on design, craftsmanship and superior materials, their homes are built for families today and for many generations to come.

Supporting the community and helping it thrive has been a core value of Wanson Group for 25 years. 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