Donations surpassing $400,000 from Metro Vancouver’s Chinese-Canadian community are being used to jumpstart VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund, providing relief for health care workers on the frontlines 

Vancouver, BC – As the public exercises caution and maintains social distance, health care workers continue to leave their homes to work in the hospitals and health care facilities in order to care for vulnerable patients.

To support these health care heroes VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation has established the COVID-19 Response Fund, and Metro Vancouver’s Chinese-Canadian community has already stepped up and generously donated more than $400,000 and counting.

“B.C.’s health care heroes are risking their health and safety every day to care for all of us during this global health pandemic,” says Angela Chapman, President & CEO of VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. “They are there for us. Now we need to be there for them. Donations to the COVID-19 Response Fund ensures the doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and other staff all have the support they need, when they need it.”

The COVID-19 Response Fund is designed to be flexible to allow rapid deployment of funding to support thousands of health care workers across Vancouver Coastal Health facilities and community.

Leading donations include $100,000 from An Soon Unity Trust, presented by Sandra Lau on behalf of her family, as well as donations from the Vancouver Chinese-Canadian Golf Association & Members, the Haihe Fellowship Association, and two anonymous donors.

“It is heart-warming to see such incredible acts of solidarity, to witness our Vancouver community pulling together. We are giving each other, and particularly all our health care workers on the frontline of this pandemic, the courage we need to get through this challenging time,” says Chapman. “The decisions and actions we are taking as individuals today can save lives. Our health care partners — the health care heroes — are counting on your support.”

The Foundation is encouraging cash donations, but if you are interested in providing donations of supplies please visit vch.ca/donate for more information on current needs.

To donate, visit vghfoundation.ca/covid-19-response