It’s our first QEII Care in Focus! Enjoy some featured photos we’ve collected throughout our community while working together to transform health care – here at home in Atlantic Canada.
Today, we’re showcasing five featured “community fundraising” photos. These snapshots shine a light on some incredible QEII Foundation community fundraising events and activities held by our community champions that benefit QEII patients, families, and care areas year-round.
5 – Forever in my heart
When Anthony Miller was just 23 years old, he passed away from a rare form of cancer. The community of Kennetcook, Nova Scotia rallied together to start the Anthony Miller Memorial Lob Ball Tournament as a way for those who dearly loved Anthony to honour his memory.
Moved by the care that Anthony received at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, each year, event organizers donate tournament proceeds to QEII care areas. This beloved community event is now in its eighth year running!
4- Fundraising for a family room
When Kawthar and Ebraheim Barho lost their seven children in a house fire in February 2019, the tragedy gripped the surrounding community. Three mothers from the Muslim community, in collaboration with the Ummah Masjid and Community Center started the group Barho Friends to honour the Barho family by fundraising to renovate a family room in the QEII’s intermediate care unit (IMCU) — raising more than $8,000 to transform the space.
The family room is now complete, with a refreshed feel and several features to help families feel calmer during stressful and uncertain times with their loved ones in the IMCU.
3 – Creating for a cause
Colin Chen, a Halifax artist, raised more than $30,500 in his art auction fundraiser, with all proceeds benefiting heartfelt community causes, including the QEII’s orthopaedic surgical robot.
Colin, who immigrated to Halifax in 2009, has a beautiful, vibrant art style that represents contemporary Chinese folk art. He often depicts scenes from his hometown in Zhejiang province on the East China Sea, and people and experiences from his time in Nova Scotia.
2 – A hopeful hockey tournament
Hockey for Hope is a third-party initiative in partnership with the QEII Foundation, organized by cancer survivor and thriver, Shay Needham. Event proceeds go towards the QEII Patient Assistance Fund, offering mental health support for cancer patients treated at the QEII.
The first Hockey for Hope tournament happened this past September 2023 and raised more than $33,000! Because of this incredible community initiative, a minimum of 33 cancer patients will receive direct support.
1 – A bash to bring us together
In August 2023, Jordan Forbes and his team at Blended Athletics brought the heat with the Summer Bash Against Brain Cancer Round 2, raising funds and awareness for QEII brain cancer research and awareness.
In its first year, the event raised nearly $10,000, smashing goals, and sparking an ongoing movement. In 2023, they rallied together bigger and better than ever. The day was filled with sports-based games, food, and fun, and raised an incredible $15,691, once again exceeding goals!
Interested in starting your own QEII community fundraiser? From sports events to bake sales, to online raffles and beyond, events and activities can be creatively customized to support a cause that is meaningful to you. Learn more about starting your own campaign at My.QE2Foundation.ca.
