5th Giving Hearts Gala raises funds for new ceiling lifts, scopes at Langley hospital

The fifth annual Giving Hearts Gala raised thousands for various new equipment for the Langley Memorial Hospital on Saturday, Feb. 3.

The goal was to raise $180,000 to purchase needed equipment, which was surpassed.

As of Tuesday, the hospital foundation was reporting at least $260,000 in donations received.

It will make it possible to purchase ceiling lifts and Stryker surgical scopes, for its five operating rooms, said LMH Foundation's executive director Heather Scott.

A ceiling lift would help to reduce injuries to staff while assisting staff to move patients from a bed, gurney or wheelchair, Scott said.

As the population ages, more arthroscopic surgeries will be performed at Langley Memorial, and Stryker surgical scopes give surgeons a clear image, she noted.

"We need more permanently funded beds. As your health care foundation, we will continue to advocate for Langley's health care needs," she said.

The first four Giving Hearts Galas raised $905,000, which allowed the foundation to help senior mobility, renovate a spiritual space, boost the emergency room expansion and purchase a baby incubator.

The gala, featuring support from the South Asian and broader community, has improved the quality of care at the hospital, said gala co-founders Manjit Gill and Balraj Mann.

"Langley is our home. A happy home is also a healthy one, and when we co-founded the Giving Hearts Gala, we could think of no better partner than Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation," Gill and Mann said.

Performers of the men's Giddha team from Punjabi Diamond Arts Club were the entertainment for the event. 

The total funds raised won't be known until later this week, after the 50/50 raffle ends on Thursday, Feb. 8.

This article was originally published by the Langley Advance Times.