A ‘miracle’ happened on Bear Mountain on Saturday, May 25, as a record-breaking $1 million was raised for the Victoria Hospital Foundation.
The Miracle on the Mountain event held at the Westin Bear Mountain Resort, a sold out event, raised money in support a new CT scanner for Victoria General Hospital (VGH).
The event couldn’t have started better as local donor Craig Mearns announced he would be matching all donations up to $500,000.
“It’s so important that we all give to ensure our hospitals have the best technology and latest equipment,” said Mearns. “We are all better for it.”
Initially, $956,000 was raised Westshore and Foundations came together throughout the weekend to help reach the seven figure mark. Included in that was former Langford mayor Stew Young who pledged a $10,000 donation from his Westshore Charity Tournament and got many other local businesses to donate.
“It goes to show that people on the West Shore want their healthcare to be better,” Young said.
More than 450 guests donated over the course of the event.
“This final total is a tribute to the incredible philanthropists in our community and a pure reflection of the Westshore’s generous nature,” said Avery Brohman, Victoria Hospitals Foundation CEO.
The money goes towards the Victoria Hospitals Foundation’s Imaging is Power campaign, which is now just a little over $1 million away from their $11 million goal.
In previous years, the Miracle on the Mountain raised $600,000 and $700,000, but this year’s gala broke that record in four hours.
“We know that the strongest hospitals across Canada have the strongest philanthropy, and what we have done for our imaging department at VGH is powerful and transformative. It is a great privilege to witness such intentional philanthropy,” Brohman said.
READ MORE: Major League power and a new look: Victoria HarbourCats set to open 2024 season