On May 14, colourful Indian attire and saris filled the Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites as 450 guests came together to enjoy delicious Indian cuisine and culture with a featured performance by Bollywood singer Shradha Pandit.
Guests also took part in a live auction and a door prize giveaway in support of the expansion of child and adolescent mental health care at Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH).
MSH Foundation (MSHF) is proud to partner once again with leaders from the South Asian community for Festival of Colours presented by RBC.
CTV National News correspondent Merella Fernandez emceed the evening and was joined by MP Helena Jaczek, York Region Chairman Wayne Emmerson, Markham Deputy Mayor Don Hamilton, Stouffville Mayor Iain Lovatt, and several other councillors.
“The pandemic has brought to light, and exacerbated, care needs in our community and at the top of that list is mental health care for our children and youth,” said Jo-anne Marr, President and CEO at Oak Valley Health. “The need for these services within the paediatric population is at record highs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The planned expansion of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services will have a substantial and positive impact including reducing wait times, improving outcomes, and extending support for children and their families.”
The gala raised $400,000 to enable the expansion and enhancement of the child and adolescent programs within the Gulshan & Pyarali G. Nanji Mental Health Services.
“It is incredible to witness the community come together to help make a lasting impact on the lives of the many patients who turn to MSH in their time of need,” said Suzette Strong, CEO of MSHF. “Every dollar raised ensures our patients can receive the critical care they need when they need it.”
Imtiaz Seyid, event co-chair, and MSHF board member thanked the Gulshan & Pyarali G. Nanji Family Foundation, Lead Donor of the event, as well as Presenting Sponsor RBC.
“We wish to personally recognize all our generous sponsors, especially our Presenting Sponsor, RBC,” Seyid says. “Our deepest gratitude on behalf of the entire hospital goes to the Gulshan and Pyarali G. Nanji Family Foundation for their outstanding contribution as Lead Donor. Your support is deeply appreciated and we are truly grateful for your commitment to our hospital.”
“Our heartfelt appreciation for making this Festival of Colours a memorable experience and especially for ensuring that the youth in our community can find the opportunity for a better future at Markham Stouffville Hospital,” added Indu Bains, event co-chair.
To donate, visit support.mshf.on.ca/festivalofcolours2022.
Photo: The Gulshan & Pyarali G. Nanji Family Foundation was the lead donor for this year’s Festival of Colours gala. Mr. Nanji receives a token of appreciation from Oak Valley Health’s President & CEO Jo-anne Marr and MSHF CEO Suzette Strong.
