Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS) celebrated an evening of philanthropy and community support at its “Friends of PICS” Gala & Fundraiser on April 12th at the Fraser View Banquet Hall. The event saw an extraordinary turnout of over 1000 people to support the cause of senior care.
The gala was organized to raise funds for the Guru Nanak Diversity Village project. The funds over $200,000 will be used 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.
Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, BC Premier David Eby, MP Randeep Sarai, MLA’s, Mayor of Langley, Surrey city councilors and Counsel Generals from India, Great Britain and USA, were present at the occation.
Glen Clark, who delivered the 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 supporting PICS and making special mention in the House of Commons.
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.”
The founding members of the organisation were all recognised at the event. Moreover, Cheema congratulated Senior Director, Devinder Chattha for completing 28 years with PICS Society.
The gala’s highlights included a 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 Eby confirmed the addition of 162 new spaces to PICS’ adult day program, providing vital support to older adults and their caregivers. Furthermore, 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 said, “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.”
