Hundreds of guests gathered for the Osler Foundation’s 11th annual Holi Gala
Hundreds of guests gathered for the Osler Foundation’s 11th annual Holi Gala, enjoying a mesmerizing performance by Indo-Canadian singer Sarbjit Cheema. The sold-out event proved to be a tremendous success, raising over $1.9 million to support the transformation of the Peel Memorial Centre and enhance healthcare services in Brampton.
The funds raised at the Festival of Colours will contribute to vital Osler health care initiatives, notably the Peel Memorial upgrade project. This project includes the development of a new 24-hour Emergency Department, replacing the existing Urgent Care Centre, to better serve the community’s needs.
One of the notable enhancements at Peel Memorial will be the introduction of the region’s first Adolescent Intensive Day (AID) Program, addressing the challenges faced by youth struggling with self-harm.
The comprehensive billion-dollar overhaul encompasses plans for approximately 250 inpatient beds, with provisions for future expansion, as well as enhanced rehabilitation and continuing care services. Furthermore, it will bolster mental health and addictions services and introduce specialized care for seniors.
Ken Mayhew, President and CEO of the William Osler Health System Foundation, expressed gratitude to sponsors and donors for their generous contributions, emphasizing the importance of community support in addressing critical redevelopment and equipment needs across Osler’s hospitals.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, accompanied by Brampton MP Sonia Sidhu, recently visited Peel Memorial to gain insight into the city’s healthcare challenges, particularly concerning the prevalence of diabetes. As Brampton grapples with a high rate of diabetes cases, the federal government’s proposed pharmacare plan, covering essential medications like birth control and diabetes supplies, aims to alleviate some of these healthcare burdens.
Osler anticipates that the upgraded facilities at Peel Memorial will not only accommodate patients requiring extended hospital stays but also enhance overall healthcare capacity in the community for years to come.