Tsunami of Supporters showed up at the Friends of PICS Gala & Fundraiser
Overwhelming community supporters for PICS Society witnessed at the Friends of PICS Gala & Fundraiser
Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS) celebrated a momentous evening of philanthropy and community support at its “Friends of PICS” Gala & Fundraiser on April 12th. The event saw an extraordinary turnout of supporters gathering for the noble cause of senior care. It was universally witnessed that the turnout was over 1000 and people had to stand in the long lineups just to get in.
The gala, aimed at raising funds for the Guru Nanak Diversity Village project, surpassed all expectations by raising over $200,000 for the construction of a long-term 125-bed senior care facility. The BC government’s funding of $118 million combined with the $5 million still being fundraised by PICS Society will bring the project to life soon.
The evening was graced by the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Her Honour, the Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and Honourable David Eby, Premier of British Columbia. Also in attendance were Randeep Sarai MP, Member of Parliament for Surrey Center, and Parliamentary Secretary to Veterans, as well as Associate Minister of Defence and cabinet minister, MLA’s, Mayor of Township of Langley, Surrey city councillors and Counsel generals from India, Great Britain and USA.
Glen Clark, who delivered a captivating keynote address was honored with the prestigious “PICS Lifetime Community Service Achievement Award” in recognition of his exceptional service to the community, especially the South Asian community. MP Don Davies was recognised for his remarks made in parliament for praising PICS society and it’s staff.
Reflecting on the event, Satbir S. Cheema, CEO & President of the PICS Society, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received from the community. ” It took more than three decades of hard work, networking and selfless community service undertaken by our Founder and Founding CEO, the late Mr. Charanpal Gill, who devoted his entire life fighting for the rights of marginalized, racialized, and underprivileged people; to ensure a life of dignity and respect for them. He was my role model and mentor who supported my journey of learning and growth.,” said Mr. Cheema. The founding members of the organisation were all recognised at the event. Moreover, Mr Cheema congratulated Senior Director, Devinder Chattha for completing 28 years with PICS Society.
The gala’s highlights included a captivating multicultural troupe dance performance choreographed by Esha Cheema and Salena Goundar, which saw Premier David Eby and other dignitaries joining in the festivities with an impromptu dance. Attendees also had the opportunity to bid on exclusive auction items, including signed Canucks jerseys and hockey sticks, with proceeds going towards the Guru Nanak Diversity Village project.
In a significant announcement, Premier David Eby confirmed the addition of 162 new spaces to PICS’ adult day program, providing vital support to older adults and their caregivers. Furthermore, Her Honour, the Honourable Janet Austin, unveiled the Vaisakhi edition of the Drishti magazine, featuring PICS CEO Satbir S. Cheema on the cover.
Phalak Betab, Marcom & Fundraising Officer and host of the evening, who also sang O Canada, emphasized PICS’ dedication to honoring and celebrating the diverse cultures it serves. “Canada is one of the most multicultural countries in the world and PICS has taken the initiative to acknowledge all the diverse cultures that we serve. With over 50 sponsors (RBC being the platinum sponsor) and major donors, we hopefully will be achieving our fundraising targets very soon,” said Betab.
