November 23, 2023
(Burnaby, BC) Burnaby Hospital Foundation is pleased to announce a transformative $4 million matching gift by respected philanthropists Betty Beedie, and her son, Ryan Beedie to help launch the second phase of the Foundation’s Bright Future fundraising campaign.
The matching gift is the second major contribution to the campaign by the Beedie family, who have now pledged a total of $12 million towards Burnaby Hospital Foundation in the past three years. Burnaby residents and locally-based developers, the Beedie Family are long-time supporters of Burnaby Hospital Foundation. Influenced by the late Keith Beedie, who passed away in 2017, the family has consistently stepped forward when their community has needed support, especially in relation to local healthcare.
The Beedie family were joined by representatives from Burnaby Hospital Foundation, Fraser Health leadership, hospital staff and dignitaries to share in the announcement event, during which the Foundation unveiled the naming of the new 12-storey Keith and Betty Beedie Acute Care Tower. “When the Foundation shared the vision of the new acute care tower, I knew that it was something we had to support, together as a community,” shares Ryan Beedie.
“Our family will match the next $4 million in donations, with the hopes of inspiring the generous and passionate people in this community to give to their local hospital in support this life-changing project.” This matching gift is a strong call to action for individuals, businesses, and organizations in the Burnaby and East Vancouver communities. “With this incredible opportunity, every additional dollar raised will have double the impact,” shares Steven McKoen, KC, Chair of Burnaby Hospital Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
“Every gift donated, no matter the size, will have twice the effect on advancements in healthcare in our community.” “We are tremendously grateful to Betty, her late husband Keith, and the entire Beedie family for their generosity, which will help strengthen and transform healthcare in our community, at a time when it is needed most,” says Kristy James, Burnaby Hospital Foundation President and CEO.
“This next step in our Bright Future campaign focuses on raising funds for necessary equipment in new and upgraded departments that are part of this phase. We are putting the challenge out to our community to help us support the expansion of medical services that will soon be available to all residents, providing better care close to home for all.”
Phase Two of the redevelopment includes the addition of a new 12-storey acute care tower, which will house upgrades to the Intensive Care Unit and Medical Imaging departments. Other important additions include new in-patient oncology and cardiac telemetry units, 160 private rooms, and a regional BC Cancer centre.
The announcement of the second phase of the Foundation’s fundraising campaign follows the Province of British Columbia’s announcement in September of the approval of the $1.7 billion Phase Two business plan. “The Foundation is extremely excited with the progress, both in the construction of the first phase and planning in the second phase of the redevelopment.” says James.
“These lifechanging upgrades will modernize healthcare in our hospital and expand medical services. I urge the public to consider a gift today. The Beedie family will match donations towards Burnaby Hospital’s redevelopment, meaning each dollar donated will have twice the impact.” To learn more about the redevelopment and take advantage of the matching gift opportunity, please visit bhfoundation.ca/brightfuture
