PHOTOS: Canuck Place Children’s Hospice Gift of Time Gala and Vancouver Chinatown Foundation’s Light Up Chinatown Dim Sum

Communities rally around a special home and neighbourhood.

By Fred Lee / October 2, 2023

Canuck Place Children’s Hospice Gift of Time Gala – September 23

A record $1.55 million was raised at the Canuck Place Children’s Hospice’s Gift of Time Gala.

Chaired by Michelle Porter, Robyn Lalani and Lucy Greer, the Gift of Time Gala raised a record-setting $1.55 million to provide critical care to children and families at Canuck Place.

A hushed room heard from Canuck Place parents Marie and Wes Toews, who spoke about late daughter Sophia, born with a terminal genetic disorder.

Canuck Place Children’s Hospice counsellor Deborah Davison with businessman Arthur Griffiths, who helped create the first free-standing pediatric hospice in North America.

Sanj Westin with Global TV morning anchor Sonia Sunger who handled hosting duties.

Canuck Place Children’s Hospice CEO Denise Praill with Milk Communications principal Shannon Heth.

It was all smiles following a successful night for Canuck Place fundraiser Natasha Krotez and board chair Suzanne Steenburgh.

Kate Allan and Breanna Laubach flanked gala committee member Rebecca Bree Rawlinson.

Chris Main escorted Vancouver Magazine’s Editorial Director Anicka Quin to the season’s first formal of the fall charity season.

A well-heeled crowd that included philanthropists David and Pamela Richardson helped give short lives the gift of great days.

Briana James and Meagan Prokopanko were among a stylish set that filled the Parq Vancouver ballroom for the event, sponsored by Nicola Wealth.

Vancouver Chinatown Foundation’s Light Up Chinatown Dim Sum Luncheon

Yum chai. As part of the annual Light Up Chinatown Festivities, Carol Lee and the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation brought the community together for a traditional dim sum lunch.

Vancouver Chinatown Foundation’s Carol Lee welcomed business and community leaders including Howard Jang to the second-annual dim sum fundraiser.

Visual artist and storyteller Kassandra Linklater and Vancouver city councillor Peter Fry took in the Sunday brunch at Floata Restaurant.

Christina Yan accompanied her husband, MLA Michael Lee to the tasty Light Up Chinatown Festival event.

Designer Aleem Kassam and marketer Jill Arias were among thousands who revisited historic Chinatown as part of the annual Light Up Chinatown Festival celebrations.

UBC Foundation Chair Ernest Yee, UBC AVP Alumni Natalie Cook Zywicki and alumni UBC board chair Fred Chairs were on hand to support UBC grad Carol Lee and her efforts to animate Chinatown and preserve its rich history.

Educator Janey Lee with Global News Anchor Sophie Lui who emceed the Dim Sum soirée.

Anson Realty principals Grace and Stephen Kwok were among business owners who support the efforts of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation to revitalize the iconic neighbourhood.