RED FM radiothon raises over $310K for Peace Arch Hospital Foundation
WHITE ROCK, BC – On Thursday, Nov. 10th, RED 93.1 FM held a one-day radiothon and raised over $310,000 for Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation in support of health care in our community. Last year, the station raised $200,000 – altogether RED 93.1 FM has worked with the South Asian community to donate over $500,000 through its two fundraisers.
The radio-thon is an annual event at RED 93.1 FM and is held in honour of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469 – 1539), whose birthday is celebrated on the full moon in November. A spiritual leader in the Sikh community, the Guru encourages his followers to give selflessly for the common good. “It is very much a part of our culture to give back,” says station CEO Kulwinder Sanghera. “This is the time of year we give as a community. We chose to give to health care because that’s something everyone benefits from.”
"It was truly amazing to see the South Asian community pour out support like this on one special day. A steady stream of people arrived at the station with their gifts and many more phoned in,” said Jackie Smith, executive director of Peace Arch Hospital Foundation. “To see all the helping hands was equally moving. Thank you to the station, the donors and the many volunteers who played a part in making this radiothon a success.”
During the day, RED FM listeners heard from many special guests, including a special call-in interview with BC minister of health, Michael de Jong. Minister de Jong called in from his current tour of India with Premier Christy Clarke. Other interviews featured Dianne Watts, mayor, City of Surrey; Catherine Ferguson, mayor, City of White Rock; Tom Gill, councillor, City of Surrey; Dr. Gulzar Cheema; Dr. Pargat Bhurji; Dr. Werner Spangehl; Gurbinder Mander, manager, Envision Financial Newton Branch; Lucky Toor, partner, T&L Group Chartered Accountants, whose three daughters were born at Peace Arch Hospital, and Foundation representatives Jackie Smith and Graham Cameron.
RED 93.1 FM is a vibrant ethnic station that celebrates the ethnic diversity of Vancouver, facilitates strong response, and attracts the attention of the area’s second largest visible minority. Launched in 2006, RED FM is Vancouver's No.1 South Asian Radio Station.
Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation raises funds and awareness to enhance health and wellness in our community.
IMAGE:
L to R: RED FM’s Amrik Cheema, the Foundation’s Selina Yano, Radiothon supporters Mr and Mrs Atwal, and RED FM’ CEO Kulwinder Sanghera.
