Categorized Sources Gala

Sources Foundation’s Mystery on the Nile Charity Gala Raises Over $400,000 for People with Developmental Disabilities, Food Banks and Youth Counselling

SURREY, B.C. – November 6, 2023 – Sources Foundation raised over $400,000 at their annual charity gala, Mystery on the Nile. The fundraiser, co-presented by Save-On-Foods and Scotiabank, took place on November 4 at Hazelmere Golf & Tennis Club. Proceeds from the event will be directed to Sources Community Living programs, food banks and youth counselling program – DiscoverY.

“We are grateful for all those who donated their time and money to support such an important fundraiser,” says Paul Cope, Gala Co-Chair and Co-Presenting Sponsor (Save-On-Foods). “The social needs of this community are critical and as such, we set our sights to raise $400,000. Through the generosity of this incredible community, I am pleased to announce that we succeeded in reaching our goal.”

“With these funds raised, SOURCES will now be able to focus on some of the areas that need the greatest attention,” says Nicolas Verrier, Co-Presenting Sponsor and representative for Grace Chiu (Scotiabank). “Supporting adults with developmental disabilities has been a key focus of the gala. As well, addressing hunger and mental illness among our youths are concerns that require ongoing support.”

The Mystery on the Nile event transformed Hazelmere into an ancient Egyptian-inspired spectacle complete with life-size décor and models dressed up to stun the crowd. Well-known charity auctioneer Howard Blank raised over $100,000 and the elegant and professional Neesha Hothi emceed the evening with energy and passion. Entertainment was provided by Peninsula Productions as they took guests through a who-dun-it mystery dinner that kept everyone on their toes in search for a missing sacred scarab. Wes Levesque and Brant Darling of Sheila’s Catering Co. won the 2023 Community Hero Award for their philanthropic efforts and commitment to giving back to the community.

The charitable evening could not have been possible without its sponsors including DMCL, Hazelmere Golf & Tennis Club, It’s On Electric, and KPU, as well as Sources staff and volunteers.

If you’d like to be a part of supporting Sources Foundation’s cause, you can purchase 50/50 tickets at Sources5050.RaffleNexus.com. The jackpot can grow up to $200,000 and the winner takes half. Contest closes November 29, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. Draw takes place November 30, 2023 at 12:00 pm.

For more information, please visit SourcesFoundation.ca/Gala.

To read more, visit the Surrey-Now Leader article.

Media ContactJanet WelchManager, Communications and Philanthropy SOURCES Foundation JWelch@SourcesBC.caAbout The Sources Foundation works with the community to raise funds to support the work of Sources Community Resources Society. Since 1992, our Foundation has funded social wellness programs and services that provide hope, strength and resilience to individuals and families in communities across B.C.

Sources Foundation’s “Mystery on the Nile” Gala Seeks $400,000 for Developmental Disabilities, Food Security, and Mental Wellness

SURREY, B.C. – October 23, 2023 – Social wellness organization Sources Foundation is just days away from hosting its 27thAnnual Fundraising Gala, Mystery on the Nile, co-presented by Save-On-Foods and Scotiabank. Happening November 4 at Hazelmere Golf & Tennis Club, the event will celebrate the rich history of ancient Egypt with the goal of raising $400,000 for its Community Living programs, food banks and mental health initiatives for youths.

Sources Community Resources Society (SOURCES) operates five staffed homes for adults with developmental disabilities and autism. One of those homes is SOURCES’ highest priority for attention. It is an older home with narrow hallways and lots of stairs. Residents’ needs have evolved over time and the space is no longer suitable. One resident has seizures and requires staff assistance particularly when using stairs. Accessibility is limited and with another resident in a wheelchair, navigating around the home is challenging and staff support is required. With money raised from the gala, SOURCES will initiate plans to create a home where all residents can comfortably age in place.

“We want to give our residents exactly what everyone has, despite their disabilities and how their needs may change,” says Christine Conlin, Executive Director. “They deserve to feel comfortable, be able to access their home and live as independently as possible.”

In addition to community living homes, SOURCES is raising funds for its community food banks as well as DiscoverY, a free youth counselling program. Over the past year, the food banks have recorded close to 77,000 visits, up by over 50% from 2021-22. These numbers are expected to continue climbing due to ongoing economic conditions.

Just as pressing is the need for accessible counselling for youth. Just under 500 hours of counselling sessions were provided to young persons last year. SOURCES relies on donations from the community to provide this critical service.

“Our gala not only helps us raise much-needed funds, it also gathers our community together for an important cause,” says David Young, CEO. “Because of the overwhelming response we have received from last year’s gala, we were able to launch a new anti-violence women’s program. This year, we are asking for everyone’s help to better serve the long-term needs of our residents and assist others to overcome hunger and mental health challenges.” 

With this year’s theme Mystery on the Nile, the gala is expected to excite guests with an immersive experience that celebrates the beauty and culture of ancient Egypt. The showstopper will be the night’s entertainment performed by Peninsula Productions as they will be leading attendees through a mystery solving dinner. Added to the lineup will be charity auctioneer Howard Blank and Master of Ceremonies Neesha Hothi.

Although the event is sold out, you can support this year’s cause by purchasing 50/50 raffle tickets. The jackpot may grow up to $200,000 and the winner takes half. Tickets can be purchased at Sources5050.RaffleNexus.com.

The gala is also running a silent auction as a part of its fundraising activities. You can shop here: Can.Givergy.com/MysteryOnTheNile.

We give special thanks to all our community partners including Diamond Sponsors DMCL Chartered Professional Accountants, Hazelmere Golf & Tennis Club, It’s On Electric, and Platinum Sponsor Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU).

For more information, please visit SourcesFoundation.ca/Gala.  

Media Contact Janet WelchManager, Communications and PhilanthropySOURCES FoundationJWelch@SourcesBC.caAbout The Sources Foundation works with the community to raise funds to support the work of Sources Community Resources Society. Since 1992, our Foundation has funded social wellness programs and services that provide hope, strength and resilience to individuals and families in communities across B.C.

Long-term SOURCES sponsorship creates lasting friendships

As one of SOURCES’ longest-serving gala sponsors, the Hazelmere Golf and Country Club has become more like a family than a supporter over the past 20 years.

“It’s always a great experience to be with our friends at SOURCES and the gala is an annual event that the whole team looks forward to,” explains Frank Fourchalk, general manager for the West Coast Golf Group which owns the Hazelmere venue.  “We have a lot of long-term employees here and it’s nice when we have these events, year in and year out, because we can all look forward to working with everyone again.”

As the all-important gala venue sponsor, the Hazelmere Golf and Country Club plays a key role in the annual SOURCES gala – with Hazelmere staff getting involved in a new gala theme each year.  “It’s our time to shine and it makes us feel good in hosting the event,” says Fourchalk.  “It allows us to commit our support even more and it lets staff get really involved due to executing the event.”

Working side by side with SOURCES staff and contractors, Hazelmere staff function both behind the scenes and in front, helping to ensure that the gala is a success.  “We have so much familiarity and short-hand between the two teams which really helps us to adapt to what happened with COVID-19 – we had to do what we never thought we would have to do and it seemed like every two minutes we were pivoting and making adjustments,” notes Fourchalk.

This year, due to the pandemic, the SOURCES gala was first postponed from spring until fall and then, eventually, hosted virtually with SOURCES volunteers delivering the dinner meal, prepared by Hazelmere’s chef, directly to gala attendees.

The year 2022 will be Hazelmere’s 60th anniversary and, having been part of the community for so long, Fourchalk says he has seen the benefits of helping others first hand.  “The scope of services that SOURCES offers is incredible and why it’s important to support an agency that is local and doing great things for the community.”

Prospera honoured to partner with SOURCES

Prospera is a proud sponsor of the Sources Foundation. Since 2009, Prospera has contributed more than $42,000 towards the Sources Food Bank, annual galas and other programs.

At Prospera, we take pride in being a part of the communities we operate in by supporting local initiatives. Through our community investment program, we remain dedicated to creating a healthy, more inclusive place to live that enriches the lives of families, children, and individuals. Our partnership with Sources Foundation is a testament to that commitment.

During the pandemic and beyond, Sources Foundation has continuously shown an incredible commitment to supporting our communities. Prospera was delighted to support the “Run for the Roses” online event benefitting homeless-prevention programs, mental health services and more. For many years, Prospera has also supported the Food Bank program to ensure that people in need have access to food resources; which is in more demand now during the pandemic.

With their year-long support services that range from health care to poverty relief and food programs, Prospera is honoured to have the opportunity to partner with Sources.

Helping others is what it means to be part of the community

Part of crafting sustainable local communities that offer ecologically-friendly solutions also means giving back to local community organizations says David Chan, senior owner and branch manager for Aplin and Martin, a company known for its world-class team of civil engineers, architects, land surveyors and urban planners.

“Supporting a great cause like SOURCES allows us to give back some of the benefits we’ve gained through our own growth,” Chan explains.

Established 52 years ago, Aplin and Martin has experienced tremendous growth in the past 10-15 years, expanding from 65 employees to nearly 200.  With offices in B.C., Alberta and Ontario as well as a headquarters in Surrey, B.C., the company decided five years ago to become a gold level SOURCES gala sponsor.

“We noticed some of our industry partners were also sponsors so we knew this would be a good community organization to support,” says Chan.

The SOURCES gala is an annual fundraising event that, typically, raises more than $200,000 to support various programs that help the homeless, hurt and hungry.  This year, the funds will be used to support SOURCES COVID-19 “Comfort and Care” response fund during a time of unprecedented demand for services that include mental health counselling, food banks and the SOURCES rent bank.

“I’ve been to the SOURCES gala a few times…it’s always a great event,” Chan says.  “I love trying my luck on the silent auction, although I don’t always win, and I love the Hazelmere golf course.”

“But, the most important part is knowing that we have helped others who are struggling or facing adversity in their lives because that is truly what it means to be part of the community.”

Virtual “Run for the Roses” makes history

We did it! On Saturday, November 7, 2020, we successfully held our first-ever, virtual, live-streamed fundraising event.

Sources Foundation president Bruce Hayne was a stellar “talk show host,” interviewing a list of special guests from a six-feet distance including White Rock musician Ben Dunnill, Hazelmere Golf and Tennis Club‘s executive chef Andrew Wynnyk, Save-On-Foods president and Gala Chair Darrell Jones and SOURCES staff including CEO David Young. We were also pleased to have video appearances by Surrey Coun. Linda Annis, White Rock Coun. Anthony Manning, White Rock Mayor Darryl Walker, Gordon Hogg and Mark Madryga! Many thanks to these individuals for sharing a part of their evening with us. Read More…